Footrests

Some staff members may require footrests at their work stations.

To ascertain whether or not a person needs a footrest, proceed as follows:

1. Ensure that the person is seated correctly with the back support in the small of the back .
2. Adjust the height of the chair so that when the hands are placed either on the surface of the desk, or on the 'home row keys' for keyboard operators, the angle between the upper arm and forearm is 90 degrees.
3. Check whether the person is able to comfortably place both feet on the ground.

If unable to do so, a footrest is required.  For further advice, please contact your WHS consultant.

The footrest should be height adjustable and the surface area large enough to comfortably accommodate both feet.  Footrests can often be adjusted at an angle or level, depending on the height required.

The narrow bar style of footrest shown below left is not suitable because it does not allow full support to the feet. Please discard this style of footrest.

What to look for in a footrest:

• Footrest has a rubber sole / padding as opposed to a hard plastic or metal surface.  Padding provides comfort to the feet.
• Locking mechanisms are present.  If the footrest freely moves while in use it not only becomes a nuisance but does not provide consistent support.
• Footrest provides support for the complete length and width of both of your feet.
• Footrest can be positioned either at an angle or level depending on the requirements.
  • Angled settings are for slight height adjustments and the footrest is often placed a little further from the seating position.
  • Level settings provide for more height and are placed closer to the seating position.

Suppliers

Footrests are available from a number of chair suppliers and can also be bought as a stationery order.

The 'Kensington SoleMate Plus' footrest has multiple height adjustments, angled alignment, if required, has a rubber sole and also locks into position.