Hi Sharon

We actually have an agreement with our supplier that they come in to meet the individual with a few options to 'trial' - if after a few weeks, it's felt suitable, we would then pay.

Hi Sharon,

I am in Scotland (not sure if Access to work works in England if you are based there) but when we need to get anyone an adjustable chair we go through Access to Work and they come out to do an assessment and provide recommendations for equipment. Your employee applies online for this then the employer would pay for it. Because we are a global company we usually have to pay the full costs but if you are a small employer then Access to Work will pay a % towards the equipment.

In reply to Ella:

Thank you Ella, is your supplier qualified to carry out a workplace assessment for the employee and are they specialists within this field. Good idea re have a trial period.

In reply to Gillian Glass:

Thanks for responding Gillian. I will check out Access to Work to see if this is an option. We are a School (MAT) so guess we will have to pay the full costs.

If you don't have time to organise Access To Work, who do work in England as well as Scotland, before your employee's return next week, then this might be helpful: www.hse.gov.uk/.../ck1.pdf

All office chairs should be adjustable and supportive. As Ella suggests, I'd order a chair that has good lumbar support on approval from your usual supplier, go through the checklist with the employee so that it is set up for them according to HSE guidance, and let them tell you how they get on. Be prepared to order any other equipment such as a wrist support or footstool if the checklist reveals that one is necessary for proper posture.

In reply to Elizabeth Divver:

Thanks Elizabeth, I will review the HSE guidance as you suggest, much appreciated.