Height adjustable tables, or tables with adjustable legs, are able to be adjusted to suit the specific physical needs of the person in order to maintain optimum ergonomic positioning. Height adjustable tables may also be custom made to accommodate specific needs of the individual, such as that related to a disability. Additional features of height adjustable tables may include:
- wheelchair cut outs
- cable holes
- cable trays
- adjustable angled tops
- locking castors
- keyboard platform
- built in monitor raisers
- telephone shelf
- adjustable feet
- printer shelf
- a range of storage options
- preset memory options for preferred positioning of table.
Table height adjustable controls may be manual, electric, hydraulic or gas. They can be operated using a hand, knee or foot control, via a computer or remote control, a lever, or a button. Some models of height adjustable tables have memory settings that allow users to preset adjustments to suit their individual needs operated by push button controls.
Height adjustable tables may be constructed from a variety of materials. Table tops may be constructed from laminate, wood, wood covered with a non reflective melamine finish, or steel as some examples. Table legs may be constructed from steel or powder coated metal.
Height adjustable tables are generally used within an office environment. A large range of shapes and sizes are available to fit within the space requirements of individual workplaces. However, height adjustable tables designed for work whilst standing and portable tables with castors are also available. These options may be utilised by people employed as process workers or tradespeople.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Ergonomics relates to matching the job and the set up to the individual. Ideally within the workplace the height of a person’s ergonomic chair should be adjusted to suit the body size of the individual, their physical needs and the task being performed in relation to their desk or workstation.
However in some work situations, height adjustable tables are particularly beneficial including for people who need to rotate their working position between sitting and standing or for people mobilising and working from a wheelchair. The cut out feature and height adjustability available with most models allows the person to sit close enough to the table to maintain a good position whilst completing desk based tasks.
If the requirement for a height adjustable table is specific to a person’s disability and is not something usually provided by the employer for all employees under their Occupational Safety and Health requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Employment Assistance Fund. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
References
Height Adjustable Desks 2011, Height Adjustable Desks, Stretch Now Group, East Kew, viewed 7 August 2011, http://www.heightadjustabledesks.com.au/.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2010, Buyers Guide—Adjustable desks, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 August 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=64&MinC=6&Item=2974&page=1.
Independent Living Centre Australia Inc. 2010, Hafele Electric Desk and Table Legs, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 August 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search4.asp?state=WA&page=7&MC=64&MinC=6.
Independent Living Centre Australia Inc. 2011, Hettich Lift Up Shelf, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 August 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search4.asp?state=WA&page=4&MC=81&MinC=13.