Standing worker safety

Working in a standing position on a regular basis can cause sore feet, swelling of the legs, varicose veins, general muscular fatigue, low back pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders, reports the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Such complaints are common among salespeople, machine operators, assembly-line workers and others whose jobs require prolonged standing.

The basic principles of good job design for standing work are:
• Change working positions frequently so that working in one position is of a reasonably short duration.
• Avoid extreme bending, stretching and twisting.
• Pace work appropriately.
• Allow workers suitable rest periods to relax.
• Provide instruction on proper work practices and the use of rest breaks.
• Allow workers an adjustment period when they return to work after an absence for vacation or illness so they can gradually return to a regular work pace.