Prolonged standing poses serious health risks, survey finds

A survey of 1,000 non-office workers who stand for at least four hours daily, conducted by workplace safety company COBA, has revealed significant mental and physical health issues linked to prolonged standing.

According to the survey, workers in industries like manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare reported ailments such as lower back pain (46%), foot pain (33%), and knee pain (29%).

Nearly half of the respondents struggled to get out of bed due to their health problems, while two in five relied on painkillers to get through their shifts. A quarter sought medical help from their GP.

Mental health was also impacted, with over a third reporting negative effects, and almost half taking sick leave, averaging 2.4 days annually.

The study also highlighted that workers spent an average of £148.29 on costs related to their health, including lost earnings and medical expenses, but fewer than half reported receiving any support from their employers.