Sammenhængen mellem eksponering for arbejdsrelaterede psykosociale risikofaktorer og hjerte-kar-sygdomme

Prolonged static sitting is a type of sedentary behaviour. Sedentary behaviour occurs when activities are characterized by low energy consumption in combination with a sitting or lying position[1].

Sedentary behaviour is widespread. It is to be expected that more and more workers will be confronted with sedentary type of tasks due to further automation and computerization. Sedentary behaviour leads to various health risks. Besides musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), prolonged sitting may also lead to health risks in other domains, such as diabetes, heart- and vascular disease, depression and even mortality. Sedentary behaviour is increasing both at work and in private life, this is why attention must be paid to this health risk. Replacing sitting by standing is not always the solution, as prolonged standing can also may result in health risks. This is why it is considered important to change between postures as much as possible. For the best health and safety outcome, workers should be able to adopt a variety of body positions: preferably workers should be able to vary between sitting, standing and moving about.

Many workers in a wide-variety of different jobs have to stand for long periods on the same spot while working. Working in a standing position can be a problem when it is not possible to alternate the standing posture with other postures and when the duration on a daily basis is too high. Prolonged standing can be defined as standing more than one hour without moving from the workstation and standing more than four hours a day. This article looks at the risks and health effects of prolonged standing work and preventive measures.