Power Plant Workers and the Need for Comfy Seating

Electricity is one of our nation’s most vital resources. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control power plants and the flow of electricity from plants to substations, which distribute electricity to businesses, homes, and factories. Electricity is generated from many sources, including coal, gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectric energy, (from water sources), wind, biomass and solar power.

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers typically do the following:

• Control power-generating equipment, which may use any one type of fuel, such as coal, nuclear power, biomass, or natural gas
• Read charts, meters, and gauges to monitor voltage and electricity flows
• Check equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems
• Adjust controls to regulate the flow of power
• Start or stop generators, turbines, and other equipment as necessary

Operators, distributors, and dispatchers who work in control rooms generally sit or stand at a control station. The work requires constant attention. Workers also may do rounds, checking equipment and doing other work outside the control room. Transmission stations and substations where distributors and dispatchers work are typically in locations that are separate from the generating station where power plant operators work.

Moreover, because electricity is provided around the clock, operators, distributors, and dispatchers usually work rotating 8- or 12-hour shifts. Work on rotating shifts can be stressful and tiring because of the constant changes in living and sleeping patterns.

With this being said, it is fundamentally important that the facilities that power plant workers operate from are extremely ergonomic, functional and of course comfortable in nature given their NEED to maintain concentration at all times. Failure to detect evidence of operating problems can have serious consequences on a national scale, hence the desire for a productive working space. 

How has good seating been linked to increased productivity and concentration levels? 

Research has stipulated that employees working in an ergonomic environment were 17.5% more productive compared to an environment that wasn’t optimised. This is because increased comfort in many cases can affect an employee’s overall happiness, concentration and productivity.  

• Increased comfort = happiness

Seating that is inherently uncomfortable and can cultivate a series of physical problems for workers. Back and neck pain as a result of a non-ergonomic chair can make working extremely distressing and painful. 

An ergonomic office chair can be the solution to many employees’ back and shoulder problems. Slouching and bad posture is also a pretty big part of workplace comfort but having the correct chair can make these issues much easier to deal with. Once workers have solved their physical problems and feel comfy while you’re working, it’s only natural that they’ll be better equipped to get the work done.

This is particularly the case for power plant workers whose job necessitates concentration for prolonged periods of time. Adopting the likes of 24-hour chairs that are purpose-built for constant use can provide that additional support that they would otherwise lack with non-ergonomic equipment. 

The main benefits of a posture 24-hour chair is the ability to adjust it throughout the day to find the most comfortable and suitable position for you. In order to do this, workers should find a chair that contains a Lumbar Support, an adjustable back, seat depth adjustment and adjustable arms. This is because Incorrect or poor posture can be caused by numerous reasons including sitting in the wrong position, sitting at an incorrect height in comparison to the floor, computer monitors too high or low on the monitoring desk and poor head and neck support amongst many other factors, leading to pain and discomfort in the neck, back and spine, shoulders, legs and feet. By having a chair that can be specifically contoured to each worker’s body composition can increase comfort levels and maximise productivity. 

Moreover, workers experiencing a lot of physical problems due to their chairs are more likely to take a few days off if they have to deal with the pain. No-one likes taking a day off work but by the same token, it’s going to be easier to call in sick if you know you’ll only be uncomfortable once you’re there. Workers in uncomfortable seating are susceptible to pain and discomfort which can render negative physical and psychological effects, resulting in them missing days off; an employer’s worst nightmare. 

Consequently, when shift patterns and the nature of a job mean that your office chairs are being used 24/7, a robust piece of kit is necessary. Considering that the key daily operations and essential control of your business may be run from this room, choosing chairs for power plants and control rooms can be challenging. Comfort and ergonomics must go hand in hand and it’s vital that your chairs are heavy-duty and designed and tested to withstand intensive use for many years.

Chairs being used in this sort of environment may need to be used by a number of different staff around the clock so it’s imperative that your control room chairs are highly adjustable to ensure access to multiple screens and easy movement around the office. The chairs need to provide comfort for staff of different shapes and sizes and should cater for a variety of different working positions.

 In our experience, it’s best to work with each individual to find a chair that’s perfect for them. Think about who will be sitting on the chair and what they will be doing. Some of our larger chairs, such as KAB seating or 24 Hour chairs, may be perfectly suited to a larger individual working, but would not be right for someone with a petite frame working in the NHS or in an office space. 

If you’re still not sure, we can offer you advice on which 24-hour chair is most suitable for you or your staff. Call us today to find out how we can help.