Is Standing All Day on Your Feet at Work an Occupational Hazard?

Aches, Pains, and Complications

Standing for long periods can lead to low back pain, fatigue, muscle pain, and leg swelling, and it can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems and pregnancy complications, according to a review conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Researchers there concluded that movement, whether walking or shifting from a standing to a seated or leaning position, appeared to be the best way of reducing those health hazards.

Being on one’s feet for an extended time also can lead to chronic venous insufficiency, a disease in which damaged veins impact blood circulation, according to the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, which represents operating room nurses.

The association recommends trying “fatigue-reducing techniques such as alternate propping one foot on a footstool, the use of anti-fatigue mats, using a sit-stand stool and wearing supportive footwear,” said Lisa Spruce, senior director of evidence-based perioperative practices at AORN.

The Right to Sit Down

Many jobs besides nursing require extended standing: department store sales clerks, hairdressers, surgeons, restaurant cooks, and airport workers are just some of the people who perform their roles on their feet.

Cecilia Ortiz, 43, used to work as an airport wheelchair attendant in Phoenix. “It takes a really hard toll on the knees,” she said. The break room had three or four chairs, which wasn’t enough for everyone, so workers often went to the hallway and sat on the floor, Ortiz said.

She said she once got written up by her boss for sitting down at an electronic device charging station for 15 minutes after she’d been on her feet for five hours without a break.

Ortiz now works for a warehouse that provides supplies to the airport, and when she needs to sit, she can.

“It’s not so strict over there. If we needed to sit down for any reason there wouldn’t be a problem,” Ortiz said.

Her former employer, Prospect Airport Services, said it adheres to all local, state, and federal labor regulations regarding breaks. “Our employees are welcome to take their breaks and meals in our designated break room or in any common-use space throughout the airport,” company spokesperson Jackie Reedy said. “This policy allows our employees to choose the location that best suits their needs.”

Sitting Once Was a Protected Right

Around the turn of the 20th century, most states in the U.S. had laws requiring seating for female workers. Women were increasingly entering the workforce, and there was a fear that if their jobs were too physically taxing, they might not become pregnant, said Eileen Boris, a labor historian and professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Women were seen as the “mothers of the human race, and thus we have to protect motherhood,” Boris added. “Almost every state had laws, but they weren’t enforced.”

Those laws were repealed over time because they applied only to women. One reason was that the women’s movement was pushing for equal rights, rather than special treatment, Boris said.

Labor movements in other countries were more successful in establishing requirements about seating. “The English shop movement was much stronger and had more men in it than the U.S.,” Boris said.

Conclusion

Standing for long periods can have serious consequences for one’s health, and it is essential for employers to provide suitable seating options for their employees. The right to sit down should be a basic human right, and it is crucial to recognize that this right has been eroded over time. It is time for a change, and it is up to us to demand that our employers provide a safe and comfortable working environment.

FAQs

Q: Is standing for long periods harmful to one’s health?

A: Yes, standing for long periods can lead to a range of health problems, including low back pain, fatigue, muscle pain, and leg swelling, and it can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems and pregnancy complications.

Q: What are some ways to reduce the risks associated with standing for long periods?

A: Researchers recommend trying fatigue-reducing techniques such as alternate propping one foot on a footstool, using anti-fatigue mats, using a sit-stand stool, and wearing supportive footwear.

Q: Are there any countries or states that have laws requiring employers to provide seating for workers?

A: Yes, over 50 countries have ratified the International Labour Organization’s workplace standards requiring employers to furnish sufficient and suitable seats, as well as reasonable opportunities for workers to use them. In the U.S., California, Florida, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, and Wisconsin have laws that obligate employers to provide suitable seating for all workers, regardless of gender.

Q: What can be done to improve working conditions and reduce the risk of health problems associated with standing for long periods?

A: Employers can provide suitable seating options, such as chairs or stools, and encourage employees to take regular breaks to rest and stretch. Unionized workers can negotiate for the right to sit down during work hours, and governments can pass laws to protect the right to sit and work.