Swiss Ball - Chair substitite?

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this is where size matters

That is very true seeing as your chin would probably rest on the edge of the desk!

I THINK YOU WOULD HAVE THE GREATEST DIFFICULTY COMPLYING WITH DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT REGS OR DEFENDING A CLAIM FOR INJURY OR CONDITION SHOULD YOU SANCTION THE USE OF THESE THING WHICH ARE DEEMED AS FIT FOR INTENDED PURPOSE I.E EXCERSISE BEWARE 11

I sit on one at home whilst I am watching TV - although I reaslise all day in an office is a different story. You are right they work so well on your core stability.

Keith
THere are certainly enough negatives for me to advise against the use of Swiss ball's in an office environmentor for prolonged use.

Tracey/Sheena
they certainly have their place, as a tool for fitness or rehabilitation, improving core muscles and for short duration use they appear to do what they say on the box. We need to be open to new concepts, but in a controlled and considered way.
I have presented my arguments against the use of Swiss ball's to those who have enquired about their use in an office environment and asked them to return to me with copnter arguments should the have any.
Phil

I do not think they are a ridiculous idea in the right place just not in the office as a replacement for suitable seating

I don't think it is such a rediculous idea as these have been used to re-habilitate back injuries by occupational health therapists for years. You should do some more investigation before dismissing the idea.

Phil, though it may have looked as if I was being flippant, it was a serious question.
If you really are talking about “Swiss Balls” would have thought there are likely to be more negatives than positives.

Thank you all for your coments, the link (Gillian) was great for putting forward my case not to use Swiss Balls.

Martyn
THey are big rubber exercise balls usually used in the gym as an exceercise aid. Good for building up the core muscles

Are these "Swiss Balls" similar in concept to the Balans Chair "kneeler" concept that was in vogue some years ago, allegedly for improving lower back posture and strength?

Hi Phil

There does seem to be some strong opinion against using thse as long-term seating option - take a look at http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?id=1091 for example, which raises some of the issues.

We've no direct experience of using these at Workplace Law (although it does sound a good idea to liven up our editorial meetings!)

As a person with serious back problems I cannot see Swiss Balls are a chair substitute.

Before even contemplating such a ridiculous idea think about the Risk Assessment and talk to your Occupational Health Nurse, Insurance Company and Union H & S Reps.

I doubt they would even agree to use in the rest room as injury complications.

I do however believe that serious investigation should be given to the quality of chairs provided to those with back problems.

My chair for instance cost around £900 to provide the support etc I needed. All this must be done by a qualified person and I suggest using Acess to Work if you do not have a regular OH taem

Keith
This really is a serious question, especially for people who suffer with back problems trying to stay in a work environment and are looking for alternatives to the norm.
Staff where i work have asked me to look into this issue.
Phil

But how could you use them as chairs? they are big balls...

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I have been asked if we can provide Swiss Balls as an alternative to office chairs. Does anyone have experience of using them in an 'office environment'?