Variety As the Spice of Work
Several studies point to a strong preference among workers for postural variation. By OH&S Staff
Editor's note: Static postures aren't harmless; they can cause low back pain, varicose veins, and other problems. Sit to stand postures are preferable, says Ann Hall, marketing manager for LINAK U.S. Inc. LINAK, a Scandinavian company with its North and South American headquarters located in Louisville, Ky., provides movement by electric actuation for customers who design and manufacture a multitude of finished products, including sit-stand desks. Hall discussed postural variation and adjustable workstations in a March 9, 2005, conversation with Occupational Health & Safety's editor that is excerpted here.
Why is systematic postural variation preferable to sitting or standing?
Ann Hall: Holding one position where very little movement occurs (static posture) is a risk factor for ergonomic injuries that can lead to worker's compensation claims and time away from work.
From the management perspective, sit to stand is preferable because it decreases the risk of injury and thus the risk of costs. Additionally, sit to stand variation can boost productivity by reducing the length and quantity of worker breaks, decrease absenteeism, and delay the onset of muscle fatigue that typically occurs by the end of the work day. From the worker's perspective, sit to stand is preferable because it gives added flexibility, comfort, and helps protect them from injury.
From a medical point of view, why is postural variation preferable?
Sitting still in an upright unsupported position places 70 percent more static loading on the upper body than standing does.
Prolonged sitting has been associated with discomfort of the back, lower extremities, neck, and shoulder. Reports of varicose veins, stiff necks, and numbness in the legs are more common among seated employees than among those doing heavier tasks. Effects of prolonged standing include swelling of the legs, sore feet, varicose veins, static muscle fatigue, and low back pain.
Minor postural changes typically do not provide the adequate break to relieve the fatigued muscles. Alternating between sitting and standing postures gives enough postural change to allow specific body parts to rest. This helps reduce the impact and alter the load experienced by body parts throughout the day.3 Movement is important to keep the spine healthy, improve circulation, and reduce muscle fatigue.1
What evidence do we have that workers prefer variation?
Several studies point to a strong preference for postural variation. In a study done out of Cornell University, there was a strong preference of 82.4 percent for using electric height adjustable workstations (EHAW). Over 81 percent of participants reported standing one or more times a day to work, and 18 percent reported standing five or more times.
These results are further supported by a 70 percent preferred posture rating from a Curtin University study and an 82 percent positive rating from subjects participating in a Miami of Ohio University study. Subjects in the Miami study also acknowledged they would stand in the future if their equipment adjusted to standup height.3,6
Some excerpts from Cornell participants really tell the story:
"As soon as I started to get any pain I adjusted the table height and the pain either went away or got better. This is very necessary for working long hours.'I find that standing 3 to 4 times a day helps my neck and back. . . . This helps me to stretch and move while continuing with my work."
"With this table my sitting and working posture felt good. Before, I would start wriggling in the afternoon--I stopped squirming in my chair with this adjustable height workstation."
"I like the sit-stand configuration since it gives me the flexibility of standing up while typing. Also, it is easier for 2 people working and typing at the same time.'"
The small amount of users who do not prefer postural variation can still benefit from a sit-stand desk because they can adjust the desk to the precise height that works best for their body dimension. This is a huge benefit in itself that can help eliminate awkward postures -another risk factor.
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