GRAMMER’S TAKE ON ERGONOMICS - INTERVIEW WITH FLORIAN SCHNEIDER

"As a basic rule, sitting, especially over long periods of time, is not good for our musculoskeletal system. After all, from an evolutionary point of view, we are runners who are on the move all day long. In addition, everyone is built differently and has individual comfort needs when it comes to sitting. So, there’s no such thing as “the ideal” sitting posture. But there are recommendations for ergonomically favorable postures when sitting. First of all, the main role is played by the seat itself. It provides the best possible support for the body by means of a body-friendly design, a wide range of adjustment options, effective suspension systems and vibration damping. 

The following sequence is recommended to ensure optimum seat adjustment:  

• Slide your back and buttocks against the backrest. 
• Select the longitudinal position of the seat to ensure the right distance from the pedals, steering wheel and operating levers. Ideally, you should not fully extend your legs to operate pedals 
• Adjust the suspension to match your body weight 
• Set the seat height to ensure an optimum view of the instruments and vehicle surroundings 
• Set the seat/cushion tilt according to your personal preferences 
• Set the inclination of the backrest according to your individual preferences (an angle of inclination of approx. 10° to the vertical and 100° to the thigh is recommended)
• Adjust the lumbar support so that the upper edge of your pelvis does not “tilt” backwards
• Set the seat cushion length to ensure good support of the thighs. The rule of thumb is to leave two finger widths of space between the edge of the seat and the back of your knee 
• Adjust the height and inclination of the armrests 
• Adjust the height and tilt of the steering wheel
• Activate the seat heating and ventilation as required 
• Activate the massage system if required

During a long working day in the seat, it is helpful to actively alter your posture every now and then. A frequently quoted rule says the next posture is the best. But what does that mean exactly? Quite simply, during short breaks, tense your leg or buttock muscles, straighten your torso, bend and stretch forward, move your shoulders backwards and downwards, pull your chin toward the sternum, etc. However, this does not include changing the seat settings you have selected at the beginning."

"Undoubtedly. A well-adjusted seat allows a good posture to be found and thus provides the best basis for the human/machine system to function to optimum effect and smoothly over the long term. And not only that: The driver can concentrate on his or her tasks in the best possible way, remain motivated and work efficiently."

“Definitely, because here the seat is the central element of an ergonomically optimum workplace too. If its technology and setting options are used correctly, its service life will also increase and thus, in the best sense, its sustainability. Take the suspension, for example: Correctly adjusted, it prevents frequent “bouncing” and thus wear and tear. Grammer also attaches great importance to intuitive operability and “self-explanatory” seat functions – in this way, we reduce the risk of operating errors, prevent faults or repairs and also increase service life.”

"Pay attention to everything that positively influences your personal well-being: This includes adjusting the cabin temperature to match your individual comfort zone. In addition, make sure you drink and eat enough. A well-organized environment also contributes to feeling good: Does the driver have everything in view, are all the necessary items within reach? Is personal protective equipment, such as hearing protection or gloves, available to make the workday safer?"

“There is no general answer to this question. Back pain typically results from the interaction of many different factors. In any case, you should visit a doctor to find out what’s going on: Is it an acute medical condition or are the complaints caused by incorrect posture, incorrect strain or the like? In the latter case, a consistent exercise program helps to “train away” a large part of the back pain. This involves strengthening the postural muscles, stretching regularly, and heightening endurance and flexibility. In addition, seats with individual adjustment options, optimum vibration isolation and high-performance suspension systems, such as those in the Grammer portfolio, can provide the best possible support in the event of vibration-induced conditions, for example.”

“There is a whole range of possibilities for ergonomic breaks, even in short waiting times during the work process in which drivers remain seated. Let’s start with those: 

Before the start of the working day: 

• Fully familiarize yourself with AND use the individual adjustment possibilities offered by the seat  

During driving hours:  

• Vary your posture slightly as often as possible: Bend forward, stretch your torso, round your back and straighten it again, lower your shoulders, tense your gluteal and thigh muscles
• Activate the massage system

When stationary (traffic jams, traffic lights, short breaks): 

• Small exercises while sitting: Press your hands against each other, roll your shoulders, press your shoulders against the backrest, put your hands on your thighs and press your legs up against them, rotate your torso in both directions  

During break times:

• Walk for a minimum of five minutes to stimulate your circulation and breathing and to dispel fatigue
• Stretching, squats

After you finish work for the day: 

• Any kind of sport: Jogging, cycling, swimming, gymnastics, team sports, workouts
• If there is no opportunity for this, walk as much as possible 
• Strength exercises using your own body weight 
• The basic rule is that a few minutes every day is better than one hour once a week 

"If you have a chance to get out of your vehicle, do this. If you can park a few minutes’ walk away from the rest area, even better. Research shows that a 5-minute walk will bring down fatigue levels effectively. The best habit would be to exercise regularly, for example doing workouts, weights, yoga, running / hiking, etc. at home, or, where possible, outside. A few minutes each day is actually better than a long session once a week.” 

"This is where our dealers can help. They can advise you accordingly and check what seat models are suitable for what vehicle types and requirement profiles. We have a checklist to help you assess the condition of a used seat as effectively as possible. Specific purchasing decisions can then be made on this basis – or it may turn out that only an individual part, such as the seat cushion or an armrest, needs to be replaced. Corresponding spare parts are available quickly and easily through our extensive dealer network."