Adjustable office work stations primarily consist of a height adjustable desk, counter or control room station. These workstations are generally adjustable in height either electronically, by gas lift (similar to a chair height adjustment), or by manual means including wind up feet or winding style levers. Some adjustable workstations also enable desk angle to be altered or built in desk length adjustability to cater for work task variation.
Adjustable workstations allow for adjustment to a height not normally possible with a standard desk to cater for specialised seating arrangements, unique physical needs, allow changes in desk height for rotation of work posture between sitting and standing and allow for multiple users at a workstation. Adjustable desks can be purchased in a range of widths, lengths and shapes and can have varying levels of height adjustability. Custom built designs can assist for specialised situations.
The following should be considered regarding individual requirements of the worker prior to purchase:
- user’s capacity to easily and safely adjust workstation adjustment controls
- storage requirements as inbuilt draws under the workstation can limit accessibility
- type of workstation or desk legs if need to access via wheelchair as workstations can come with standard ‘U’ shaped, trestle table style, single pedestal style or table style legs with no modesty panel
- overall stability of the desk
- whether castors or glides are required if workstation needs to be portable
- whether additional features are required to hold cables, monitors, CPU, printers
- whether an inbuilt or portable footrest will be required.
Adjustable height workstations can be purchased as whole units in a range of shapes (standard, ‘U’, ‘L’ or corner based workstations) with some suppliers able to supply the adjustable frame and components to be fitted to an existing desk.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
If due a person’s disability, specific seating arrangements or unique physical characteristics a standard desk or workstation is not appropriate, consideration can be given to an adjustable height workstation. For people restricted to a bed due to their disability, over-bed adjustable workstations which attach to the bed frame and enable keying on a laptop whilst lying down have been custom made.
If a particular adjustable workstation specific to a person’s disability is required within the workplace and is not something normally supplied by the employer under their Occupational Safety and Health requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Workplace Modification Scheme. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
(Ergomotion 2007; AME System 2006; Independent Living Centres Australia Inc 2007)
References
AME System 2006, AME System Home, AME System Pty Ltd, Melbourne, viewed 11 January 2008.
Ergomotion 2007, motiondesk?2 & 3, Ergomotion PTY LTD, Melbourne, viewed 11 January 2008.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Buyers Guide – Adjustable Desks, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 11 January 2008.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Vocational Aids & Equipment: Desks & Workstations – Adjustable Height, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 11 January 2008.