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Ergonomic chairs offer best value for money: MOM

  • The Straits Times Online (31 Mar 2011) : Ergonomic chairs offer best value for money: MOM
  • The Straits Times Online (29 Mar 2011) : MOM, about that $575 chair...
  • The Straits Times Online (29 Mar 2011) : Chair purchase was imprudent

Ergonomic chairs offer best value for money: MOM
- The Straits Times Online, 31 March 2011

We refer to the feedback on ST Online Forum on 29 March 2011.

2.   The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) conducted an open tender in accordance with the Government procurement guidelines for the purchase of office chairs for our employees at the Kim Seng premises. The brand of the chairs was not specified in the tender invitation.

3.   The tender was evaluated by a Tender Evaluation Committee made up of officers from various divisions within MOM, including an occupational safety and health medical professional. We considered various factors, including the ergonomic design, durability and value for money. The successful tenderer met our requirements and offered the best value for money over the life-span of the chairs. This includes a comprehensive commitment from the supplier to cover on-site support and option to repair or replace the chairs for a duration of 12 years. This also includes all parts, including wear and tear. This translates to cost savings as we will not need to change office chairs frequently. These chairs will also be moved to MOM’s new Bendemeer office when our Kim Seng premises relocates in 2012.

4.   As the Ministry that champions workplace safety and health, MOM actively sets an example in promoting the well-being of our employee. Our employees spend a large proportion of their working hours at their work space. Investing in these ergonomically designed chairs will go a long way in ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for our employees.

MOM, about that $575 chair...
- The Straits Times Online, 29 March 2011

I AM puzzled and perturbed by Friday's report ("MOM staff to get ergonomic chairs") in which a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) spokeman rationalised the $271,400 allocation for 472 Herman Miller chairs (at $575 each) for its staff.

Unless MOM staff are suffering from a work-related medical condition, what is wrong with the present chairs? And if the chair does protect the user's back, why hasn't it been recommended to all civil servants labouring under similar conditions?

Notwithstanding its durability and long warranty period, are these chairs' ergonomic features significantly better than one that costs half as much?

Some office chairs can cost as much as $1,000 to $2,000, but it does not mean that they are better for users. Other factors like sitting posture matter just as much as the quality of the chair.

But if the present chairs need replacing, shouldn't replacing them with the usual office chairs suffice?

Lee Seck Kay

Chair purchase was imprudent
- The Straits Times Online, 29 March 2011

THE Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) decision to spend more than a quarter of a million dollars on chairs for staff was imprudent ("MOM staff to get ergonomic chairs"; last Friday).

Are ergonomic designer chairs a justifiable expense of taxpayers' funds?

Was there a human factor specialist in the tender evaluation committee or just a lay person?

One type of chair would not fit everyone. The users' body dimensions must be considered when selecting a chair so that it does not strain one part of the body while fitting another.

Of greater importance than the chair is a person's sitting posture, which depends largely on an individual's personal habits.

The chair is only one of the components to be considered in workstation design. Other elements like work surface, document holders and task lighting need to incorporate flexibility and adjustability.

Were these evaluated and considered as well before the decision was taken to buy the chairs?

It would be more cost effective to educate staff on sitting habits rather than to buy expensive chairs.

Steven Thng