What to Do When an Office Chair Overturns

The response to an overturned office chair depends on whether there are injuries or damage to the chair. Here are the specific steps:

I. If the Overturning Causes Injuries to People

1. Assess the Severity of Injuries

   • Minor Injuries: If there are only abrasions and redness, with no significant pain or restricted movement, self-treatment is possible. Rinse the wound with clean water and then apply iodine for disinfection. Use an ice pack to cold compress the red and swollen area for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling.
   • Severe Injuries: If there is severe pain, restricted joint movement, limb deformity (such as abnormal bending), or an inability to stand or sit up, there may be a fracture or ligament tear. Immediately stop all activities and avoid moving the injured area to prevent further damage.

2. Emergency Response Steps

   • Prevent Further Injury: Do not force yourself to stand up or twist your body, especially in areas like the lower back and hips, to prevent the fracture end from shifting or the ligament from tearing further.
   • Seek Help Promptly: If you cannot move on your own, call for others to dial 120 for emergency medical assistance or ask someone nearby to help take you to the hospital.
   • Medical Examination: Even if the pain subsides temporarily, it is advisable to go to the hospital for X-rays or CT scans to check for hidden fractures (such as coccyx fractures or lumbar compression fractures) and avoid delayed treatment.

3. Follow-up Precautions

   • Fracture Treatment: If a fracture is diagnosed, follow the doctor's advice for immobilization (such as with a cast or brace) or surgical treatment. Avoid weight-bearing activities during the recovery period.
   • Soft Tissue Injuries: After 24 hours, apply a warm compress and use blood-activating and stasis-resolving medications (such as Yunnan Baiyao), but only under the guidance of a doctor.
   • Check for Additional Injuries: If symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or vomiting occur, there may be additional head or cervical spine injuries, and immediate medical attention is required for further examination.

II. If the Overturning Causes Damage to the Chair (such as damaged wheels)

1. Inspect the Wheels: Turn the chair upside down and check if each wheel foot is in contact with the ground. Look for signs of bending, breakage, or wear on the wheel feet.
2. Replace the Wheels: Purchase matching new wheels. You can contact the manufacturer for the model number to place an order or take the old wheels to an office supplies store to match a replacement set. Ensure that the shape and size of the wheel axles are consistent.
3. Remove the Old Wheels: Pull out the wheel feet directly by hand. If they cannot be pulled out, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the small gap between the wheel foot and the chair, gently pry it open about 1 centimeter, and then pull again. In rare cases, if the casters are fixed with screws, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove them.
4. Lubricate the Sockets: Spray a small amount of lubricant (such as WD-40) on the chair base sockets or apply a pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly to reduce installation resistance.
5. Install the New Wheels: Use a rubber mallet to tap the new wheel feet into the sockets, ensuring that the rods are fully inserted into the base. Avoid tapping on the bottom of the wheels to reduce the risk of deformation.
6. Test the Chair: Place the chair upright and sit on it. If it rolls smoothly and does not tilt, the repair is complete. If it still tilts, further check if the seat plate is damaged.