BackWorking in a standing position – health and safety and employer’s obligations
Standing work is a daily occurrence for many employees, especially in industries such as trade, production or gastronomy. Prolonged standing can lead to fatigue, back pain and health problems. What are the health and safety regulations and what does the Labor Code say about them? What are the employer’s obligations? Who cannot work in a standing position? What can be the effects of standing work?
CONTENTS
- Standing work — definition, labor code
- Types of standing work
- What are the employer’s obligations towards a standing work station?
- Who cannot work in a standing position?
- What can be the effects of standing work? Disadvantages of standing work
- How to work standing?
Standing work — definition, labor code
Standing work is performing professional duties in a vertical position, without the possibility of sitting. This is the so-called work in a forced body position. This form of work is popular in industries such as production, trade, catering, or industry.
The labor code does not provide a definition of standing work. However, this issue is regulated in the Regulation of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy of September 26, 1997 on general occupational health and safety regulations. According to its content, in the case of work requiring constant standing or walking, the employer is obliged to provide employees with the opportunity to rest near the workplace in a sitting position.
Types of Standing Work
Standing work can take many forms. It is considered a nuisance, which means that it can cause fatigue, but it should not lead to permanent health problems. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that performing duties in this position can be demanding and taxing for the body. What are the types of standing work?
- work that does not require constant standing,
- work that requires constant standing or walking.
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What are the employer’s obligations towards a standing workstation?
If the work does not require constant standing, the employer is obliged to provide employees with the possibility of sitting. However, in the case of work that requires a constant standing position, the employer should provide a place near the workstation where the employee can rest. According to the regulations, such a place cannot be a canteen or dining room, because these are hygienic and sanitary rooms. This issue was also emphasized in the judgment of the Supreme Administrative Court (I OSK 1263/2006).
Who cannot work in a standing position?
Occupational health and safety regulations do not introduce a general ban on working in a standing position. However, there is one exception – pregnant women. It prohibits the employment of pregnant women in work that is arduous, dangerous or harmful to health.
- The Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 3 April 2017 on the list of work that is particularly arduous or harmful to women’s health specifies that a pregnant woman cannot work in a standing position for more than 3 hours a day.
What are the possible consequences of standing work? Disadvantages of standing work
Performing standing work for a long time can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of an employee. Prolonged standing puts strain on the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to back pain, stiff joints and leg strain. Maintaining a standing position for many hours is also associated with the risk of circulatory problems such as swelling, varicose veins or a feeling of heavy legs.
Routine standing work, especially if it lacks proper work organization, can cause excessive fatigue and reduced efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial that the work organization takes into account rest breaks, changes of position and ergonomic equipment of the workstation. The employee at the workstation should be able to regularly relax the muscles and rest for a while in a sitting position.
Standing is also associated with an increased risk of injury, especially in professions that require frequent movements or carrying heavy objects. Prolonged standing can lead to chronic pain in the feet, knees and hips, as well as problems with balance and coordination. Therefore, employers should ensure appropriate working conditions, including appropriate footwear, anti-fatigue mats and the ability to change position while performing duties.
How to work standing up?
Working constantly in a standing position can lead to many unpleasant health problems, such as back pain, muscle tension or circulation problems. In order to reduce the health effects of standing work, it is worth taking care of an ergonomic workstation and improving your comfort and safety at work. How to work standing up?
Ergonomic workstation
Prolonged standing work requires appropriate adjustment of the workplace. The surface on which the employee stands should be stable and non-slip, and the height of the worktop should be adjusted to the height to avoid excessive bending or lifting of the arms. Additionally, it is worth using gel mats for standing, which reduce the load on the joints and reduce the feeling of fatigue.
Proper footwear
The workplace also requires well-chosen footwear. Sports shoes with adequate cushioning will help reduce pressure on the joints and improve comfort when standing for long hours. Employees should avoid shoes with hard soles or too flat, which can contribute to leg and spine pain.
Regularly change work position
Prolonged standing work can lead to blood stagnation in the lower limbs, so it is important to counteract blood stagnation by changing position regularly. Employees should be able to switch between standing and sitting work and take short breaks for stretching and movement. The employer should provide employees with the opportunity to rest near the place of work, which will help the body to regenerate.
Improving the workstation
To reduce the negative effects of long-term standing work, it is worth improving the workstation. This can be achieved through adjustable work tables, footrests or ergonomic chairs that allow for temporary relief of the legs.
Working in a demanding standing position, especially if it is physical or static work, can lead to various health problems. That is why it is so important to provide employees with appropriate conditions that will reduce the negative effects of long-term standing. Employees can ask the employer to adjust the workstation, as well as access to a place to rest, which will allow for temporary regeneration of the body. Employers should remember that employees do their work more efficiently when they have the opportunity to change position and take short breaks. Proper organization of working conditions is the key to greater comfort and better efficiency.
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