Footrests support the feet when working from a seated position in situations where the person has adjusted their chair for optimum arm positioning whist working at a desk, keyboard or mouse and is then unable to support their feet flat on the floor. If the feet remain unsupported when working from a seated position, circulation to the legs can be restricted due to too much pressure on the back of the thighs. It can also place extra pressure on the lower back due to the tendency to lean forward away from the support of the chair in order to obtain foot support.
When considering which footrest to purchase, take into account not only the look and price of the product but the amount of adjustability required, whether it is to be a multi-user workstation and how easy it is to be adjusted, such as can it be done using the feet or does it require the user to climb under the desk to adjust.
Specific types of footrests are available in a range of material or plastic designs including:
- adjustable height and angle footrests which can be adjusted using the feet
- custom made footrests for situations where users may have different length legs or be of a height that requires a specially made model
- gel footrests
- fixed height, non-adjustable footrests
- footrests with inbuilt rollers or massage capacity
- footrests with heated panels
- highly adjustable footrests in both height and angle required to be adjusted by hand and most suitable to single user workstations
- rocking footrests
- footrests with antimicrobial functions for use at multi-user workstations
- specific stable footrests or steps designed for the base of drafting stools which lift to a greater height than a standard chair, instead of a foot ring.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For persons requiring extra foot support once their workstation is adjusted for optimum arm positioning at the desk, a footrest may be beneficial. If a footrest is required that is specific to a person’s disability and would not normally be supplied by the employer under their Occupational Health and Safety requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Employment Assistance Fund. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
It is recommended that a professional be consulted to determine the most appropriate footrest and overall workstation set up. For more information see the links below:
References
Comcare 2008, Officewise: A guide to health and safety in the office, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 8 September 2011, http://www.comcare.gov.au/forms__and__publications/publications/safety_and_prevention/?a=39570.
Independent Living Centre NSW 2009, Footstools, Legrests and Footrests, Independent Living Centre NSW, Parramatta, viewed 8 September 2011, http://www.ilcnsw.asn.au/minor_groups/169/grid/1.
Stretch Now 2011, Footrests, Stretch Now, East Kew, viewed 8 September 2011, http://www.stretchnow.com.au/ergonomics/footrests.