Sitting down on the job can be hazardous to your health. If your staff sits for several hours each day, you need to pay special attention to the chairs they use. In some cases, ergonomics experts say, a bad chair can contribute to long-term permanent injury, which can result in costly workers compensation claims.

The best way to find a good chair is to sit in it.

To check for a proper fit, start by ensuring that the person's feet can rest firmly against the ground while the thighs remain level on the seat cushion. The chair should be rounded in front to avoid reducing circulation below the knee. The seat cushion, or seat pan, should feel comfortable, and the person's weight should feel evenly distributed throughout the seat. In addition, the back rest should feel comfortable; a contoured backrest will often provide greater lumbar support.

Also, check that a number of different seated positions can be accommodated comfortably. If the user often leans back, make sure that doing so does not result in neck tension. To promote good posture when leaning forward, it can be helpful to have a chair that has a forward tilt, which will place the hips a few degrees higher than the knees. Finally, arm rests, if available, should be designed in a manner so the chair can be pulled up close to a computer keyboard or desk surface.

If you are purchasing multiple chairs for your office, it does not make sense to provide each person with a custom-fitted chair. The best compromise is to find a chair that is adjustable enough to fit most people in the firm. At minimum, the chair should be equipped with a lift that can raise and lower the seat height, as well as an adjustable backrest. Some models also include separate parts for the lower and upper back. Armrests can be made to move back and forth, as well as up and down. There are even chairs whose seat backs can be adjusted in and out to accommodate different leg lengths.

Budget appropriately when buying chairs. While it is possible to buy a chair for less than $100, it is also possible to buy a car for less than $1000--not just one you would like to use for very long. But you don't need to pay $1000 for a quality chair, either. You should expect to spend a few hundred dollars for a quality office seating.

Most companies purchasing mid- to high-end furniture will go through a dealer to furnish their office. Dealers typically sell products from one of the three largest furniture vendors, and then complement this line with a select number of smaller vendor lines. You can also buy direct or from office supplies stores.

Buy the right chairs for your office, and your staff may just end up giving you a standing ovation.