The human body is designed to perform various activities by adopting numerous postures throughout the day. Sitting for long periods can be uncomfortable for many people with injury or disability. Sitting for prolonged periods can have adverse effects on any staff member.
Many jobs require sitting for prolonged periods of time, including call centre operators, administration assistants, drivers, managers and many professionals who are desk or office based (ErgoScience 1999, Marina Ciccarelli 2006).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
It is important in each job to minimise the risks or the difficulties associated with prolonged sitting. Where possible, the job and work environment should be designed to fit the worker.
Prolonged sitting may be suitable when:
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weights handled are under 4.5 kilograms
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where computer based and writing tasks are required, particularly when fine motor skills and visual acuity are required.
Standing may be more suitable for:
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assembly or sorting tasks—particularly when reaching or working with some force is required
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handling objects over 5 kilograms or
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when movement is required within the work area.
Safe work practices should also be adopted, including:
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alternating between sitting, standing and walking on a regular basis
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avoid over reaching by placing regularly used items within close proximity, or standing to access objects that are not within easy reach
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perform stretches and work exercises on a regular basis
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taking regular postural breaks, for example, after every 20-30 minutes of sitting, complete another task requiring walking or standing for 2-3 minutes
(ErgoScience 1999, Marina Ciccarelli 2006).
Products, aids and supports to assist people to sit for long periods include:
References and resources
Australian Safety and Compensation Council 2007, OHS Practical Solutions Database, Australian Safety and Compensation Council, Canberra, viewed 2 May 2007, <www.ascc.giv.au> and <http://www.nohsc.gov.au/OHSInformation/Databases/OHSSolutions/hierarchy.htm>.
Ciccarelli, M 2006, Overview of Occupational Safety & Health Issues in Western Australia: Occupational Therapy Notes, Curtin University of Technology, Perth.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., viewed 3 May 2007, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org>.
Lechner, D 1999, ErgoScience: Job Demands Analysis, University of Alabama, Albama.
WorkCover New South Wales 2007, OHS Hazards, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 3 May 2007, <http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/OHS/Hazards/hazardhierarchy.htm>.