Are four-legged chairs considered to be ergonomically designed?
The number of legs on a chair is not an ergonomics issue but a safety issue. According to Department of Defense Design Criteria Standard Human Engineering, (Military Standard 1472-F paragraph 5.7.3.4.6 Seat base), “Chairs shall have at least four supporting legs. Swivel chairs should have five supporting legs”. The greater the number of legs the more durable the chair and the less likely it will tip if body weight is shifted. Virtually all swivel chairs manufactured today meet the five-legged criteria and therefore should be provided to all employees who need one.
