Office Chair Broken

Different measures can be taken to deal with a broken office chair depending on the extent of the damage, and the issue of liability needs to be judged based on the cause and regulations.

I. Handling Based on the Extent of Damage

• Minor damage: Small issues such as loose screws, detached casters, and broken buckles can be resolved on your own. If a screw is loose, tighten it with the matching Allen wrench. If a caster is broken, buy a universal caster of the same specification and press it firmly into the slot. If a buckle is broken, you can purchase a matching model online for replacement or use high-temperature structural adhesive for temporary reinforcement. After applying the adhesive, press it firmly and let it sit for a few hours.
• Moderate damage: For slightly deformed brackets or cracked seat panel edges, you can buy chair brackets or seat panels of the corresponding size online for replacement. If the gas lift is broken, purchase a compatible one. Turn the chair upside down and secure it, then use tools to unscrew the connection between the old gas lift and the base and seat surface, and then install the new one. If the fabric cover of a fabric-seated chair is damaged, choose a thick, wear-resistant cover of the same size to put on. If the office chair tilts to one side, first check whether the wheels are uneven when the chair is placed upright and upside down. If the wheel feet are bent or deformed, the chair will tilt in that direction. Place the chair upright to confirm that each wheel foot is in contact with the ground, and then turn it upside down to check each wheel foot for signs of damage. If a damaged wheel is found, you can buy a new set of matching wheels, contact the manufacturer and provide the chair model for ordering, or remove the old wheel and take one to an office supplies store to find a matching replacement set. Pay special attention to matching the shape and size of the wheel axle. To remove a caster, pull each one out directly. If it cannot be pulled out by hand, insert the blade of a flat-head screwdriver into the small gap between the wheel foot and the chair contact point, use the blade as a lever and operate it back and forth slowly. Pull out about 1 centimeter and then pull the wheel foot again. In rare cases, if the caster is fixed with screws, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the caster. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant, such as WD-40, to each socket on the chair base. Insert the straw into the spray nozzle and insert it into each socket for a quick spray. Half a second for each socket is enough. If you don't have lubricant spray, apply a pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly to the axle of each wheel. Use a rubber mallet to tap each caster into its chair socket. Align the rod of the caster with the intended base, and give it a gentle push with your hand. If it doesn't snap into place, pick up the rubber mallet and tap the caster lightly until the rod is fully inserted into the base. Turn the chair upside down and test the new wheels. If it still tilts, continue to check whether the seat panel is damaged. Turn the chair on its side and find the metal seat panel. The seat panel is usually a roughly square-shaped black painted steel plate located at the bottom of the chair seat and connected to the cylindrical column that serves as the single leg of the chair.
• Severe damage: If the backrest bracket is broken, the chair legs have large-area cracks, or the lifting or load-bearing function is completely lost, the repair cost may be close to or exceed the price of a new chair, and the safety after repair is difficult to guarantee. It is recommended to replace it directly.

II. Judgment of Liability Issues

Whether an employee needs to compensate for a broken office chair in the company depends on the cause of the damage and the company's regulations. Deliberate damage requires compensation and may also be subject to public security management penalties. For non-deliberate damage, employees usually do not need to bear compensation liability, but the company may, according to internal regulations or relevant clauses in the labor contract, require employees to bear part or all of the repair costs. The responsible party for a broken office chair used for work in the unit should be determined based on the specific situation. Damage caused by quality problems or natural wear and tear during normal use should be the responsibility of the employer. If the damage is caused by the negligence of the staff or the fault of a third party, corresponding treatment should be carried out in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal rules and regulations.