Daily life on the job for many professionals involves more than just fulfilling duties; it can be a physical challenge that means standing for long periods. Yet this practice is not consistently adopted across sectors such as trade, hospitality, industry, and services. It hides health risks that affect employees in meaningful ways.
Risks and adverse effects
Exhaustion and heightened stress are common outcomes of prolonged standing. Blood flow to the legs, back, and neck can be reduced, leading to ongoing discomfort and a spectrum of symptoms from muscle fatigue to progressive joint and venous issues.
Veins can become inflamed, the risk of varicose veins rises, and joints of the spine, hips, knees, and feet may suffer problems. For workers who spend most of their day on their feet, this constant strain becomes a persistent concern.
Chronic wear on the body is also linked to long-term damage to tendons and ligaments, rheumatic conditions, and a range of complications that affect the person’s overall well-being and, in turn, job performance and life quality.
In this context, the USO Occupational Health Cabinet outlines a series of basic precautions that companies should adopt to reduce the negative health effects of standing work on employees.
Ergonomics in the workplace
Implementing ergonomic measures effectively lays a solid foundation for mitigating the adverse impact of long-term standing.
- Footrest surfaces: Adding steps under work stations for static tasks helps reduce load. A practical stance is to shift weight between feet, easing pressure on the lower back and legs. A recommended height is about 20 centimeters from the ground.
- Appropriate furniture: Providing auxiliary chairs with footrests and height-adjustable desks tailored to individual needs can significantly cut fatigue and muscle tension.
Conscious working environment
A well-structured work setting also plays a crucial role in protecting worker health.
- Ergonomic flooring: The type of floor matters. Hard surfaces increase fatigue, so opting for hardwood, rubber flooring, or ergonomic mats helps lessen strain on the body.
- Suitable shoes: Footwear with solid support, breathability, padded soles, and non-slip soles is essential to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries. Lightweight options are advantageous, and high heels should be avoided.
Rest and posture change
Scheduled breaks and intentional posture changes are important tools for easing muscle tension and preventing issues caused by standing too long.
- Rotation and stretching: Planned breaks allow workers to alter posture, relieving tension and reducing injury risk from prolonged standing. Activities like standing on tiptoe several times, walking on heels for a few minutes, or using a wall, table, or counter to stretch calves and back can be very helpful.
There is no specific Occupational Risk Prevention regulation that sets strict standing-time limits. Those who stand for extended periods are advised to avoid continuous standing for more than 60 minutes and not exceed about four hours in a workday. It is also important to take these periods for relaxation—during days with more than six consecutive hours—by changing posture, walking, and sitting on any available chair when possible.
In cases of suspected health and safety concerns, employees should know they can contact prevention representatives to ensure their employment rights are respected and that safety in the workplace is maintained. (Source: USO Occupational Health Cabinet)