daily life labor For many professionals, this means a physical challenge that goes beyond responsibility and commitment to their work: standing for long days. However, this practice is not widely used in various sectors. trade, hostel, industry And ServicesIt presents a hidden side marked by significant risks to the health of employees.
Risks and adverse effects
burnout And to get nervous eyebrow These are sudden effects caused by continuous standing in areas such as legs, back and neck. Reducing blood flow in these areas becomes a daily companion and discomfort And discomfort It occurs on a spectrum ranging from muscle fatigue to long-term deterioration of joint and vein health.
Inflammation in the veins, increased risk of pain varicose veins and problems arise joints of the column, hips, knees And foot They are a constant source of anxiety for those who spend most of the workday on their feet.
This physical wear Disability is also associated with long-term damage to tendons and ligaments, rheumatic disorders and a host of complications that not only affect employees’ personal well-being but can also negatively impact their work performance. quality of life in general.
In this regard, the USO Occupational Health Cabinet elaborates a number of basic precautions What companies should adopt to eliminate the negative effects of standing work on the health of their employees:
Ergonomics in the workplace
A. Effective implementation of ergonomic measures It becomes a fundamental basis for reducing the negative impact of long-term standing work.
- Footrest surfaces: Adding steps under the bench for static activities (standing still) helps lighten the load. In this case, the least aggressive position is to shift the weight of the body on one foot and the other, as it relieves the load on the lower back and legs. The recommended height is 20 centimeters from the ground.
- suitable furniture: Providing auxiliary chairs with footrests and height-adjustable desks according to the individual needs of the employee contributes significantly to reducing fatigue and muscle tension.
Conscious working environment
Proper structuring of the working environment also plays an important role in worker health.
- Ergonomic flooring: The surface on which the worker stands is also important. The harder it is, the more fatigue it causes. Choosing hardwood or rubber flooring, as well as ergonomic mats, minimizes fatigue caused by harder surfaces.
- Suitable shoes: Equipping the worker with appropriate footwear that is well-supported, breathable, with padded soles and non-slip soles is essential to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries. Lightweight shoes are a plus and high heels should be avoided.
Rest and posture change
Set breaks Modifying posture and stretching becomes an important tool for reducing muscle tension and preventing problems caused by prolonged standing.
- Rotation and stretching: Scheduled breaks allow employees to change their posture, which helps relieve muscle tension and prevent injuries from standing. It can be very helpful to do stretches such as standing on your toes several times in the same workplace, walking on your heels for a few minutes, or using a wall, a table, or a counter to stretch your calves and back.
Although there is no specific Occupational Risk Prevention regulation that determines strict standing time limitsThose who spend a lot of time in this position are advised to avoid doing so for more than 60 minutes or 4 hours during the day. Also take advantage of these periods. to relax -mandatory on days with more than 6 continuous hours- changing posture, walking and sitting at any available seat.
In suspected cases chewing health and safety regulationsIt is vital that employees know that they can contact prevention representatives to ensure that their employment rights are respected and to ensure safety in the work environment.