Treadmill Desk Safety & Accidents – Treadmill Desk Safety Issues

When we speak about the safety of treadmill desks, there are two viewpoints that we need to consider:-
1. The treadmill desks are much safer than the traditional treadmills that we know and use so often. One simple reason for that is that they are much slower.

2. However, treadmill desks are still quite prone to safety issues because you are using them while you are working. There is the very real factor that your concentration is not on exercising all the time. So, there are definitely some safety measures needed.


Dr. Levine has incorporated various safety measures in these exercise equipment and as these desks have evolved, more safety measures have been incorporated by the manufacturers. Remember that it is very important to consider safety first when you are contemplating on any exercise equipment because these things can injure if anything goes wrong with the way they are used.





One of the most important safety measures that have been incorporated into these machines is that they are completely incapable of going over three miles an hour. That way there is a very less likelihood of someone falling off them and injuring themselves. But even three miles an hour is too fast when you are working and exercising at the same time. The recommended speed at which treadmill desks should be used is one mile an hour. This is quite apt because it is the speed with which we normally walk. Now if you are thinking what a speed of 1 mph will do to our system, think again – If a person walks for one hour at this speed, he or she is burning anywhere between 100 to 130 calories each hour! That means, with a normal eight hour workday, the person can lose close to 40 pounds a year, by working out inside office hours!


Despite the safety system of keeping a slow speed, treadmill desks can thus be very effective. It is no wonder that they are becoming quite famous in offices that are understanding that a trimmer workforce is a more productive workforce for their needs.


In addition, there are several other safety issues that are to be considered. We must also see what the manufacturers do in order to ensure that the machines are free from these safety concerns.


1. While one is working, he or she is very less likely to check out the various displays on the treadmill desks and use them correctly. For example, instead of stopping the machine, a person might accidentally press on the button that is meant to increase the speed. Since the person will be preparing to get off the machine when it begins accelerating, he or she is very much likely to have a nasty fall. Now, in order to prevent this from happening, the machines are equipped with large panels with oversized displays and buttons on them. Most manufacturers do that. The point here is not to cater to esthetic desires, but to provide people with an effective work-time exerciser. The big and prominent displays can prevent a lot of accidents and ensure safety in using these machines.


2. Another possible safety issue is when a person does not realize that the machine is moving and steps on it thinking it is static. This is quite possible because these treadmills work at very slow speeds. Most people aren’t able to discern whether the machines are really moving or not. Since the machines are put up on the floor in the main office area, it is possible that someone walking by might step on them without realizing that they are moving and get an injury. To prevent this from happening, large stickers or markings are made on the conveyor belts. Thus, when the treadmill is in motion, anyone will easily be able to make that out and injuries would be prevented.






Treadmill desks are designed so that computers can be placed atop them to allow people to work. These desks are kept quite safe. They are provided rubber linings so that even if anyone falls, he or she will not get injured by the hard edges of the desk. Some of the machines have control panels that can slide inside if someone falls on them so that they are not damaged.