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Hidden health cost of standing at work revealed
15 December 2024
NEW RESEARCH may prove to be a stark wake-up call for UK employers, as four out of five respondents say their working conditions are harming their health.
A poll of 1,000 non-office workers who stand for at least four hours a day, conducted by workplace safety company COBA, has revealed significant mental and physical health risks from prolonged standing.
The findings shine a light on conditions in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, hospitality and healthcare, where workers reported suffering from multiple ailments, including pain in the lower back (46%) feet (33%) and knees (29%).
Almost half revealed that they had difficulty getting out of bed or starting the day due to their health issues.
Two in five admitted taking over-the-counter painkillers to get through their shift, while one in four said they had gone to their GP for help.
Alarmingly, more than a third said their mental health had been adversely affected, and nearly half reported taking sick leave as a direct result of their health issues - averaging 2.4 days off over the past 12 months.
Over the same period, the average spend for respondents was £148.29 due to factors associated with ill-health, such as loss of earnings and the cost of medical treatment.
Despite this, less than half said their employer had offered them any kind of support.
COBA is calling on employers to take action by conducting workstation safety assessments, in order to make standing conditions more comfortable.
Chris Stanley at COBA said: “Employers should recognise that standing for long hours poses a serious health risk that can affect productivity and increase absenteeism.
“Just as workers using display screen equipment receive regular assessments to safeguard their health, employees who spend extended periods on their feet deserve the same level of care and attention.”
COBA has also teamed up with chartered physiotherapist Connor Ruffinato to create an online resource centre, offering information, tips, and guidance to help employers and employees address the risks associated with prolonged standing.
Connor said: “Staying in one position - whether sitting or standing – limits body positions and can overload or underload muscle groups, contributing to the development of common musculoskeletal problems, such as tendinopathy and joint pain.
“This is because standing for a substantial period of time requires muscular effort and can stiffen joints, particularly in those predisposed to joint problems.
“Blood pooling can also occur, which is when your heart struggles to pump blood up against gravity due to inactivity in your calf muscles, so it collects in your legs and ankles.
“Regular movement is key. If employees aren’t able to leave their workstations, simple exercises such as calf raises or squats can help to reduce muscle overload, loosen up joints and improve blood flow.
“However, anyone who experiences frequent pain or has to modify their daily activities to accommodate discomfort is advised to consult a medical professional.”
COBA also suggests anti-fatigue mats could provide a solution, particularly in winter months as temperatures plummet.
Anti-fatigue mats provide a cushioned surface that promotes subtle muscle movement to boost circulation and acts as a barrier against cold hard floors.
Four out of five people in the survey who had been offered an anti-fatigue mat said it was helpful.
Research by Loughborough University and the Technical University of Darmstadt has also linked them to reduced discomfort among factory workers.
Connor added: “There is some evidence to suggest that anti-fatigue mats may help to mitigate the effects of standing for long periods of time by promoting subtle movements, which in turn increases circulation.”
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