There are some service those receives frequent requests for advice on the purchase of furniture and equipment for offices.  It also advises frequently on remedial action in offices where there are problems such as complaints of musculoskeletal discomfort or excessive glare.  In May 1990, the Department of Administrative Services began to draw on the experience of the trade show exhibits by involving it in the process of selecting the contractors to supply office chairs to Commonwealth Government departments.  This was followed by the the company’s involvement in the selection procedures for contracts for adjustable desks and other equipment such as footrests, document holders, table covers, table top display, and directors chairs.  These activities led to the Trade Show developing a series of checklists for the ergonomic evaluation of office furniture and equipment.

Checklists for the ergonomic evaluation of products are useful for

the following reasons:

#          They require decisions to be made on the essential and

desirable criteria for selection;

#          They ensure a consistent approach to the evaluation of a large

number of products; and

#          They provide a guide to manufacturers and suppliers on the

ergonomic criteria being used in the selection process.