‘Is Spending All Day on Your Feet at Work Dangerous’
Prolonged standing in the workplace has been increasingly recognized as a significant occupational health issue. Employees in various sectors, including retail, healthcare, and service industries, often spend entire shifts on their feet, leading to severe health consequences such as chronic pain, cardiovascular problems, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Margaux Lantelme, an employee at REI and a dual citizen of France and the United States, has observed differences in workplace conditions between the two countries. In France, cashiers typically work while seated, whereas in the U.S., they are required to stand for extended periods. Lantelme, who has a history of chronic pain, requested a chair to alleviate discomfort. Initially granted one, she later had to undergo a lengthy approval process involving multiple medical consultations and insurance co-pays to retain the chair, underscoring the bureaucratic hurdles employees face in accessing ergonomic accommodations.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), prolonged standing can cause back pain, muscle fatigue, leg swelling, and increased risk of chronic venous insufficiency. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) recommends solutions such as footrests, anti-fatigue mats, and supportive footwear to mitigate these effects.
Cecilia Ortiz, a former airport wheelchair attendant, described the physical toll of standing for prolonged hours. With insufficient seating in break areas, workers often resorted to sitting on the floor. Her employer, Prospect Airport Services, stated that they adhere to labor regulations regarding breaks, allowing employees to choose designated resting areas. However, Ortiz now works in a warehouse where sitting is more permissible, highlighting disparities in workplace policies across industries.
The issue has gained traction among unions. Employees at Barnes & Noble’s Union Square store in New York have advocated for the right to sit during shifts. Bookseller Bear Spiegel noted that repetitive bending and standing exacerbated knee issues, making seating options a crucial necessity. In labor negotiations, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) has actively pushed for workplace seating rights. In one bargaining session, union representatives symbolically removed chairs from a conference room, reinforcing their demand. Ultimately, they secured contract provisions guaranteeing seating rights for employees performing tasks that can be done while sitting.
Historically, U.S. workplace seating laws were initially enacted to protect female workers, reflecting outdated gender norms. By contrast, countries such as the United Kingdom implemented broader labor protections. The International Labour Organization (ILO) introduced global workplace seating standards in 1964, ratified by over 50 nations, though the U.S. has yet to adopt them.
Some U.S. states, including California, New Jersey, and Oregon, have enacted “right to sit” laws mandating that employers provide seating when feasible. In October 2024, Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed an ordinance requiring businesses to offer seats for employees as long as their tasks permit it. Similar statewide legislation has been introduced in Michigan, reflecting a growing awareness of workplace ergonomics and employee rights.
For workers experiencing discomfort from prolonged standing, implementing solutions such as ergonomic footwear, anti-fatigue mats, and proper posture techniques can help alleviate strain. Additionally, advocating for workplace accommodations through unions or local labor boards can lead to policy changes that promote employee well-being.
As awareness of occupational ergonomics continues to grow, more businesses may adopt policies that prioritize worker health, ensuring that employees are not subjected to unnecessary physical strain while performing their duties.
