Evidence of Health Risks Associated with Prolonged Standing at Work and Intervention Effectiveness

Abstract

Purpose Prolonged standing at work has been shown to be associated with a number of potentially serious health outcomes, such as lower back and leg pain, cardiovascular problems, fatigue, discomfort, and pregnancy related health outcomes. Recent studies have been conducted examining the relationship between these health outcomes and the amount of time spent standing while on the job. The purpose of this article was to provide a review of the health risks and interventions for workers and employers that are involved in occupations requiring prolonged standing. A brief review of recommendations by governmental and professional organizations for hours of prolonged standing is also included. Findings Based on our review of the literature, there seems to be ample evidence showing that prolonged standing at work leads to adverse health outcomes. Review of the literature also supports the conclusion that certain interventions are effective in reducing the hazards associated with prolonged standing. Suggested interventions include the use of floor mats, sit-stand workstations/chairs, shoes, shoe inserts and hosiery or stockings. Studies could be improved by using more precise definitions of prolonged standing (e.g., duration, movement restrictions, and type of work), better measurement of the health outcomes and more rigorous study protocols. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Use of interventions and following suggested guidelines on hours of standing from governmental and professional organizations should reduce the health risks from prolonged standing.

Notificação de problemas de saúde em trabalhadores de enfermagem de hospitais universitário

“…This fact is usual for nursing staff. It may cause foot pain, leg swelling, varicose veins, muscle fatigue, lower back pain, stiff neck and shoulders, and other health problems (16) . A study suggests the influence of psychosocial demands on the musculoskeletal system, pointing out that these cultural and psychosocial demands may affect sensitivity to pain, affecting the attention to symptoms and increasing the number of reports of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and/or perception of their causes (17) .…”

Using Total Worker Health� concepts to reduce the health risks from sedentary work.

“…Employers should consider the following TWH concepts to reduce workers' sedentary time while at work [CDC 2014;Cifuentes et al 2015;OHSU 2014;NIOSH 2015d;Goetzel and Ozminkowski 2008;Morse et al 2012;Goetzel et al 2014;HHS 2008HHS , 2016Waters and Dick 2014;Robertson et al 2002;Grandjean 1988]:…”

“…Prolonged standing can lead to venous disorders, back pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders [Waters and Dick 2014]. Grandjean [1988] notes how sitting and standing impose stress on different muscles, and therefore states that, "a workplace which allows the operator to sit or stand, as he wishes, is to be highly recommended from a physiological and orthopaedic point of view. "…”

Early static standing is associated with prolonged standing induced low back pain

“…Despite this, research has shown that standing is also related to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders (Waters & Dick, 2015). In both field (Andersen, Haahr, & Frost, 2007;Roelen, Schreuder, Koopmans, & Groothoff, 2008;Tissot, Messing, & Stock, 2009) and lab studies (Gallagher, Campbell, & Callaghan, 2014;Marshall, Patel, & Callaghan, 2011;Nelson-Wong & Callaghan, 2010b), low back pain (LBP) has been found in individuals required to perform prolonged static standing tasks.…”