The Importance of Ergonomics in School Furniture

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 58 views

Ergonomics Analysis of the Redesign of Elementary School Tables and Chairs: Creating a Comfortable and Healthy Learning Environment

Introduction

Ergonomics plays a crucial role in designing furniture that supports human health and productivity. In the context of elementary school students, the use of non-ergonomic tables and chairs can lead to discomfort and musculoskeletal complaints. This article presents an ergonomics analysis of the redesign of elementary school tables and chairs, with a focus on creating a comfortable and healthy learning environment.

The Importance of Ergonomics in School Furniture

Tables and chairs are essential furniture in schools that directly affect student posture while studying. The use of non-ergonomic tables and chairs can cause discomfort and has the potential to cause complaints of musculoskeletal disorders. Preliminary research results for ABC elementary school students show that the majority of tables and chairs do not match the standards of ergonomics, especially related to the height of the table, height of the chair, and height of the backrest. Of the 100% I class I, the height of the table, the height of the table from under the table, and the height of the chair does not match their posture. Meanwhile, 77.97% of class I students also experienced problems with the height of the backrest. Similar conditions were also found in grade 5 students, where 100% height of the table did not match their posture, and 98.73% height of the table from under the table and the back of the backrest was not appropriate. The height of the chair is also a problem, with 91.14% of 5th grade students who experience a discrepancy.

The Impact of Non-Ergonomic Tables and Chairs on Student Health

The results of this study also showed that the discrepancy of table and chair ergonomics had an impact on student health. As many as 29% of students experienced a slightly painful complaint in the upper neck, 28.3% on the right hand, and 23.2% on the right foot. Complaints of pain also occur in the back (11.6%), left waist and elbow (10.1%), and right knee (9.4%). These findings highlight the importance of designing school furniture that supports good posture and minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal complaints.

Redesigning School Tables and Chairs: A Solution to Overcome the Problem

Redesign of school tables and chairs is an important solution to overcome the problem. Design methods used in this redesign are the Pahl and Beitz method Details. The redesign result produces an adjustable table and chair, with a minimum height of 41.4 cm and the maximum height of the table is 58.9 cm. Minimum height of seats 30.2 cm and maximum height of seats 40.6 cm. Table width 56.3 cm, table length 60 cm, drawer height 5.5 cm, chair width 27.3 cm, chair length 39.2 cm, height of back back 43.5 cm, and backward back of 32.6 chair cm.

Expected Outcomes of the Redesign

With a redesign that considers ergonomic aspects, it is expected that tables and chairs in schools can support good student posture, minimize the risk of musculoskeletal complaints, and create a more comfortable and healthy learning environment. In addition, the use of ergonomic tables and chairs can increase student concentration during learning, and increase their learning productivity. By making proper redesigns, schools can make a positive contribution to the physical and mental development of students, and improve the quality of learning in schools.

Conclusion

The redesign of elementary school tables and chairs is not only about physical design, but also about creating a learning environment that supports student health and welfare. By applying ergonomics principles in the design of school furniture, schools can create a comfortable and healthy learning environment that supports the physical and mental development of students. This study highlights the importance of designing school furniture that supports good posture and minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal complaints, and provides a solution to overcome the problem of non-ergonomic tables and chairs in schools.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Schools should consider the ergonomic aspects of tables and chairs when designing or purchasing school furniture.
The use of adjustable tables and chairs can support good student posture and minimize the risk of musculoskeletal complaints.
Schools should provide regular training and education to teachers and students on the importance of good posture and the use of ergonomic tables and chairs.
The redesign of school tables and chairs should be a collaborative effort between schools, designers, and manufacturers to ensure that the final product meets the needs of students and teachers.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the importance of designing school furniture that supports good posture and minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal complaints. Future research directions should focus on:

Conducting a comprehensive study on the impact of non-ergonomic tables and chairs on student health and productivity.
Developing a standardized design guide for school furniture that incorporates ergonomic principles.
Evaluating the effectiveness of ergonomic tables and chairs in improving student posture and reducing musculoskeletal complaints.
Investigating the role of teacher training and education in promoting the use of ergonomic tables and chairs in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ergonomics Analysis of the Redesign of Elementary School Tables and Chairs

Q: What is the main purpose of this study?

A: The main purpose of this study is to analyze the ergonomics of elementary school tables and chairs and to redesign them to create a comfortable and healthy learning environment.

Q: What are the common problems with non-ergonomic tables and chairs in schools?

A: The common problems with non-ergonomic tables and chairs in schools include discomfort, musculoskeletal complaints, and poor posture. These problems can lead to a decrease in student concentration and productivity.

Q: What are the benefits of using ergonomic tables and chairs in schools?

A: The benefits of using ergonomic tables and chairs in schools include improved student posture, reduced musculoskeletal complaints, increased student concentration and productivity, and a more comfortable and healthy learning environment.

Q: What design methods were used in this redesign?

A: The design methods used in this redesign are the Pahl and Beitz method Details. This method involves a comprehensive analysis of the user's needs and the design of the product to meet those needs.

Q: What are the key features of the redesigned tables and chairs?

A: The key features of the redesigned tables and chairs include adjustable height, comfortable seating, and a sturdy design. The tables and chairs are designed to support good posture and minimize the risk of musculoskeletal complaints.

Q: How can schools implement the redesign of tables and chairs in their schools?

A: Schools can implement the redesign of tables and chairs by working with designers and manufacturers to create a customized design that meets the needs of their students and teachers. They can also provide regular training and education to teachers and students on the importance of good posture and the use of ergonomic tables and chairs.

Q: What are the potential challenges of implementing the redesign of tables and chairs in schools?

A: The potential challenges of implementing the redesign of tables and chairs in schools include budget constraints, limited space, and resistance to change. However, with careful planning and collaboration, these challenges can be overcome.

Q: How can teachers and students benefit from the use of ergonomic tables and chairs?

A: Teachers and students can benefit from the use of ergonomic tables and chairs by improving their posture, reducing musculoskeletal complaints, and increasing their concentration and productivity. They can also benefit from a more comfortable and healthy learning environment.

Q: What are the long-term benefits of using ergonomic tables and chairs in schools?

A: The long-term benefits of using ergonomic tables and chairs in schools include improved student health and well-being, increased student achievement, and a more positive and productive learning environment.

Q: How can schools measure the effectiveness of the redesign of tables and chairs?

A: Schools can measure the effectiveness of the redesign of tables and chairs by tracking student posture, musculoskeletal complaints, and concentration and productivity. They can also conduct regular surveys and focus groups to gather feedback from teachers and students.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include conducting a comprehensive study on the impact of non-ergonomic tables and chairs on student health and productivity, developing a standardized design guide for school furniture that incorporates ergonomic principles, and evaluating the effectiveness of ergonomic tables and chairs in improving student posture and reducing musculoskeletal complaints.