Occupational hazard: prolonged static sitting position

Since the explosion of information technology, the static sitting position has become increasingly widespread in a large part of professions. It brings with it risks that are becoming more frequent. Static sitting position is currently the third factor of workplace accidents in 60% of companies.

 Table of Contents:

• Risks
• Prevention

Prolonged static sitting position is a logical consequence of increasingly sedentary work, particularly due to information technology, which presents various risks. It has been recognized since the 1950s as a significant health risk factor. Regular sports practice helps maintain and strengthen the body and health.

On average, we sit for more than nine hours a day, which represents 80% of our waking time. This is a serious health risk, whose effects can be as severe as those of smoking. This risk is most commonly encountered in companies of the following types:

• Financial and insurance sector;

• Information technology and communications sector;

• Public service.

Today, prolonged static sitting position presents many risk factors. Here is a list of possible dangers related to prolonged static sitting position:

• Lower back pain;

• Disorders affecting the neck and shoulder;

• Obesity;

• Certain types of cancers, particularly breast cancer and colon cancer;

• Depression problems. 

• Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases;

To address the risks related to static sitting position, performing frequent movements is necessary to limit time in sitting position. The simple movement in an office, getting up to fetch documents from the printer at least every 20 minutes can be beneficial.

Prolonged sitting position must be interrupted with stretching exercises or short breaks every 20 to 30 minutes. Workers should always stand up for at least 10 minutes after two hours in a sitting position. You can find a dedicated article on good postures to preserve your back.

To combat sedentary behavior at work, there are many ways to avoid the risks:

• Limit sitting work time;

• Break up sitting work time with standing breaks or regular walks; ideally, you should stand up every 30 minutes, 60 minutes when you can't do otherwise, but under no circumstances should you remain seated for 2 hours straight;

• Adopt a "standing desk": "standing desk" or "sit-stand desk" for remote workers;

• Try walking meetings;

• When you make phone calls, talk while standing or walking;

• Try to reduce screen time (TV, phone, computer).

With automation and digitization, prolonged sitting position is becoming an increasingly important risk factor. It is therefore essential for companies and workers to recognize the problem and address it together.

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