EU Report Explores Health Risks of Prolonged Sitting at Work

Static postures and prolonged sitting are the focus of a new report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA).

The report explores health risks associated with prolonged static sitting at work and outlines measures employers can take to prevent risks and help workers increase their physical activity.

EU-OSHA warns there is mounting evidence of a link between employees spending prolonged periods working in sedentary positions and increased health risks.

The issue has worsened with the spread of COVID-19 forcing people to work from home, many of whom are working longer days due to lines between work and home life becoming blurred.

Last year EU-OSHA warned that remote working had increased sedentary positions. Combined with the lack of ergonomic remote workspaces, this has potentially contributed to the development or aggravation of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The report identifies a number of health risks associated with prolonged sitting, which is defined as being sedentary for two hours or longer. These include lower back pain, upper limb disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancers and mental health issues.

The report has also identified which workers are most at risk of prolonged sitting. Alongside office workers and those working in call centres, drivers, pilots, crane operators and assembly line workers are among the most susceptible.

According to the 2019 European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks, the second most frequently reported risk factor was prolonged sitting.

EU-OSHA suggests a prevention strategy that takes a systemic approach, using risk assessment and following a hierarchy of prevention measures.

Employers should be ensuring workers have a suitable ergonomic workstation, including an appropriate chair, stool and table. Adjustability is also emphasised to allow changes in posture and comfortable working.

Employers are also encouraged to limit sitting and promote movement by effectively balancing tasks. This can be achieved by providing opportunities for active work, task rotation, job enrichment, mini-breaks and individual control options.

The 2015 European Working Conditions Survey revealed the percentage of people working with computers, laptops or keyboards all or almost all of the time had nearly doubled between 2000 and 2015, increasing from 17.6 per cent to 30.3 per cent.

The report suggests workers need to be given sufficient control so they can alter how they work and take breaks when necessary.

According to EU-OSHA the maximum time for continuous sitting should be two hours, and within that timeframe, workers need to get up every 20-30 minutes to change position.

EU-OSHA adds that employees should continuously alter their sitting positions (known as ‘dynamic sitting’) and do occasional stretching exercises.

The report is accompanied by another report addressing prolonged standing, which EU-OSHA warns is also associated with serious health risks.