Rank: Forum user 
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Anybody done any risk assessments for standing at work?
I'm pretty sure it doesn't apply to our activities as whilst our tasks can only be undertaken whilst standing up, operatives have to move around to undertake said tasks, either along a work bench or around a podium.
2 guys working at a stationary bench where movement is minimal have been provided with anti fatigue matting.
Any advice on this subject will be gratefully appreciated.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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You may need to consider pregnant workers.
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Rank: Forum user
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HI - you may also need to consider those who have any existing/previous back problems. I have and find standing still very painful after any length of time. I have also come across this carrying out risk assessments on other staff so I don't think it's an unusual side effect/residual effect of back issues.
Could a high stool be available for them to use?
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Rank: Forum user 
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Used to work in a lab at fumecupboards all day - the tall people suffered the most, but certainly as Kate mentioned, consider pregnant workers too.
I like the idea of bar stools too - we had similar in the lab and it was good for a breather while samples boiled down.
Standing is generally better for you than sitting because the body is able to transmit weight down through the pelvis via the legs, where this is removed while sitting.
Also while standing it is easier to adjust position and use different muscles. I would still recommend sitting down for a cup of tea or lunch to give a bit of variety.
Recently on BBC2, the "Trust me I'm a doctor" program looked at this, and found that it was better for the test subjects when they stood all day rather than sat. Don't know if there is any internet link to this though...?
Ask the workers too and see what they say - always a good idea when assessing risks.
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Rank: Forum user
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Consider a perch to allow a change in posture, also something that is quite easy and effective is a foot rest these can reduce the pressure by up to 20% (info from recent course), you know similar to the ones in front of your local bar. I must admit I don't get any back aches and pain after standing in the same spot for several hours !!!, may be I will do a bit more research on the later.
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Rank: Forum user
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You can get sit/stand chairs that allow the person to "perch" on a stool if and when they feel the need to do so that would help.
As far as risk assessment is concerned - as others have said, need to consider;
- pregnant workers
- those with pre-existing back problems
- those with knee problems (as standing for pro-longed periods can be uncomfortable if person has pre-existing knee condition like torn meniscus - trust me, I know about that one!).
- those who have inner ear or balance problems (as may feel faint / dizzy if standing for long periods).
There isn't a specific risk assessment form that I've used in the past for this type of work - just an ergonomic assessment of the task including who would be undertaking the work and consider any other issues in the area (such as temperature of the room - standing in a room that's 30 degrees would be a lot more uncomfortable than standing in a room that's say 21 degrees).
As well as the sit / stand chairs you could consider anti-fatigue matting for under the chairs (have advised this on production lines in the past where the workers were required to stand for long periods on concrete floors).
Would also ensure there is a rest area with proper seats so they can sit down for their lunch / break etc rather than have to stand.
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Rank: Forum user
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I've done an ergonomic risk assessment for the activities listed in my original post which has concluded no issues present.
Nobody has officially presented any medical problems that exclude them from working whilst standing.
Chairs/stools are banned from the workshop for no other reason than that the tasks they undertake do not require operatives to sit down.
Nobody works for more than 3 hours without taking a 'sit down in the canteen' break.
Pregnant workers are considered in there own risk assessment.
I cant think of anything else to cover really.
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Rank: Super forum user
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mootoppers wrote:HI - you may also need to consider those who have any existing/previous back problems. I have and find standing still very painful after any length of time. I have also come across this carrying out risk assessments on other staff so I don't think it's an unusual side effect/residual effect of back issues.
Could a high stool be available for them to use? I agree -- use a high stool with back support. I hate standing.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Not liking standing and it being bad for you are two different things though. I don't like having to wander round farms in freezing winds and rain but it won't kill me and it's part of the job.
Don't forget that providing seating itself adds a new risk (in fact risks) and so you substitute one for the other.
Static standing is generally worse than standing with movement. Anti-fatigue matting is definitely worthwhile for static standing. Rest breaks are also beneficial of course. So what you are doing already sounds about right.
Generally I would say that you have to decide on the best approach that works for your type of environment and process and then any individual medical issues are taken into account, as and when, individually.
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