You’re probably aware of the health risks that come from sitting for most of the day, but prolonged standing at work can also take a serious toll on one’s health. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many healthcare workers, construction crews, and various other professionals.
As advocates for improving occupational health in Wichita, we at WorkSafe understand the harm of standing for extended periods of time. We’ll break down proven tips for preventing musculoskeletal strain due to prolonged standing.
Recommend Comfortable, Supportive Shoes
Even standing for 15 minutes can quickly become uncomfortable without the proper footwear. Workers who spend most of the day on their feet need shoes with plenty of cushion and arch support. Their feet are less likely to ache at the end of their shift when they wear properly fitting shoes that are built for comfort.
Business leaders or experienced employees who also stand for extended periods will likely know which shoes are best suited for the job. Recommending specific types of footwear to new employees sets them up for success.
Improve Circulation With Compression Socks
Prolonged standing at work usually leads to swollen feet or ankles, pain, numbness, and other circulation problems. When workers aren’t able to take a break and rest their legs, compression socks offer the next best solution. They put pressure on the foot and ankle to facilitate healthy blood circulation in the legs.
While compression socks are meant to be snug, they shouldn’t be too tight for comfort. Wearing these along with supportive shoes helps prevent foot pain at the end of a long day.
Recognize the Benefits of Changing Positions
Many employees end up injured due to poor workplace ergonomics. Adjusting their position throughout the day could be the key to preventing pain. Sedentary office workers benefit from getting out of their seats or stretching their legs, while workers who spend most of the day standing should sit down for occasional breaks.
This might be more difficult for some, depending on their job duties. For instance, a surgeon may need to stand over the operating table for several hours before they can take a break. On the other hand, a teacher could complete one lesson standing up and another from their desk chair.
Workers and employers alike should recognize the importance of changing positions during the workday for fatigue management. When employers encourage their staff to improve their ergonomics, occupational safety risks drastically decrease.
Incorporate Flexible Workstations
Research shows that prolonged standing at work may lead to poor circulation and elevated blood pressure, both of which can have an impact on cardiovascular health. One simple way employees can prevent these risks is by adjusting their workstations.
Office workers, in particular, gain many health benefits by using adjustable desks. Standing at the desk prevents poor posture, but having the opportunity to sit means avoiding circulation issues and tired legs. If your workplace can accommodate this type of setup, consider making the switch.
Allow for Periodic Breaks
Professionals who spend most of the workday on their feet don’t just have to worry about protecting their lower extremities. Many of them perform repetitive tasks, such as lifting heavy objects or stocking items onto shelves. Repeating the same motion throughout the day can strain the musculoskeletal system and potentially cause the following injuries:
- Tendinitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Herniated discs
Experts recommend that employees across every industry take periodic breaks to stretch. Simple movements like bending the legs and stretching the arms and shoulders improve blood flow. They also reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, which may be serious enough to keep someone from working.
Employers should encourage their staff to take short stretching breaks. They may even decide to lead workshops reviewing various stretches that strengthen the muscles and reduce injury risks. Another option is to display posters around the workplace that highlight valuable stretches, so workers have a visual reminder.
Make Your Workplace Safer With WorkSafe
While stretching during work hours can help minimize the negative effects of prolonged standing at work, it’s not the only option. Follow the tips in this guide, and partner with WorkSafe to protect your employees from occupational health and safety risks.
We support businesses throughout the Wichita area with services like work conditioning, physical ability testing, ergonomic assessments, and much more. Connect with us to see how we can help your business. Submit our online request form or call (316) 262-8800 to get started.