Musculoskeletal disorders and prolonged static standing

Introduction

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.

Extent of the problem

Surveys in some European Union (EU) countries have suggested that there is a trend…