Standing at work leads to health problems, TUC warns

Around 11 million UK workers could face serious health problems from prolonged standing at work, a report from the Trade Union Congress has warned.

The report, published in the TUC’s health and safety magazine ‘Hazards’ says that despite calls for action to be taken about to prevent health consequences for London shop assistants in the Victorian era, workers today still face similar problems.

According to the union, over 2 million sick days are lost due to lower limb disorders, with nearly 200,000 people reporting lower limb ailments caused or made worse by their job. The problems include varicose veins, poor circulation, swelling in the feet and legs, foot problems, joint damage, heart and circulatory problems and pregnancy difficulties.

A survey of UK union national safety officers, conducted for the report, found that the problem was widespread, with shopworkers, teachers, library staff, warehouse staff, museum workers, engineers, printers and train drivers among those affected.

Commenting on the report, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “It’s quite incredible that some staff today would be better off under Victorian working conditions. There really isn’t any need for the excessive standing on the job that this report highlights. Most jobs don’t need people to be on their feet all day and bosses need to get over the fact that someone sat down is protecting their health, not being lazy.

“Simple adjustments to the way millions of people work will save countless sick days each year and stop British workers from, in some cases, dying on their feet.”

The Editor of 'Hazards' Rory O’Neill said: “You don’t walk into work to face daily discomfort from varicose veins, bunions and heel spurs. And protracted periods on your feet are not necessary – in Sweden, for example, it is rare for workers to be required to stand for more than two hours per day. Employers in the UK should get off their backsides and provide more seating, more rest breaks and better designed workstations and jobs.”

The report suggested that the health risks could be minimised via improved workstation design, flooring and personal protective equipment.

(KMcA/SP)