(2004/C 78 E/0934)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3933/03

by Samuli Pohjamo (ELDR) and Mikko Pesälä (ELDR) to the Commission

(19 December 2003)

Subject:   Recognition of the ergonomic saddle chair in the EU's chair classifications

Salli Systems, the Finnish manufacturer of saddle chairs, has asked for help in securing recognition for its product. Salli Systems makes chairs which take account of ergonomics in connection with sedentary work. The problem is that, according to Salli Systems, standards for chairs do not at present recognise this new concept, and this is causing difficulties in the marketing of the chair. Salli Systems has requested help in obtaining recognition of its business idea.

Salli Systems' saddle chair is ergonomically designed so as to minimise medical problems caused by sedentary office work. The traditional sitting posture causes disorders because it is not physiologically appropriate to maintain an angle of approximately 90° between the pelvis and the thighs, and indeed such an angle is not in fact maintained: when the thighs are horizontal, the pelvis tilts backwards and the back bends. As a result, it is difficult to lean actively against a back rest in the orthodox manner and to concentrate on sedentary work. This is overwhelmingly the most common individual factor behind back pain. The cost of poor sitting postures is substantial in terms of worsening back pain, tiredness caused by sitting, and impairment of labour efficiency and productivity.

The requirements of good ergonomics are currently best met by sitting in a rider's posture, using a saddle chair. As a result, the thighs open up and are angled approximately 45° downwards, and the ischia support the weight of the body without imposing any extra pressure on muscles or ducts. This type of posture is significantly healthier, more comfortable and safer than the traditional one.

What can the Commission do to promote recognition of this business idea and how can the saddle chair be incorporated into existing chair classifications and standards?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(9 February 2004)

It is clearly not within the Commission's remit to promote particular business ideas. Although ergonomic chairs can help prevent certain health problems and should therefore be available on the market, it is for users to choose the type of chairs most adapted to their needs.

As far as classification and standards for chairs are concerned, these are aspects that are better dealt with by industry itself in the first instance, in particular through voluntary standardisation activities within the European Standardisation Committee (CEN).

As far as worker protection at the workplace is concerned, Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (1) provides that the employer shall take the measures necessary for the safety and health protection of workers, including prevention of risks.

Moreover, the individual Council Directive 90/270/EEC of 29 May 1990, on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment (2), establishes that employers are obliged to perform an analysis of workstations, including work chair, in order to evaluate the safety and health conditions. The employer shall take appropriate measures to remedy the risks found, on the basis of the afore-mentioned evaluation. The same Directive details minimum requirements for work chairs such as stability, adjustability and comfort.

(1)  OJ L 183, 29.6.1989.

(2)  OJ L 156, 21.6.1990.