Working over long periods of time while standing reduces worker performance; it may lead to work-related injury, reduced productivity, increased medical costs and may additionally have a negative impact on worker morale. Prolonged standing causes static muscular contraction in the back and lower limb region, resulting in muscular discomfort and fatigue. Factory work likely exposes workers to these risks. However, certain strategies can be employed to counter this problem, among them is the use of sit-stand seating.
Here are five advantages to using this type of chair!
1- Prevent pain
Factory work can cause discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders. Think for example of assembly line workers for whom working while standing during long hours is often a source of pain. In effect, standing over long periods of time often leads to discomfort in the lower limbs, particularly in the ankles, feet, and knees. Women report more pain in the legs or calves. Lower back pain often afflicts these workers as well.
Major discomfort is linked to the significant stress placed on the joints combined with poor circulation in the lower limbs. The use of a sit-stand stool reduces pressure on the joints and facilitates proper blood return towards the heart, thus preventing permanent damage to the body tissues.
2- Reduce fatigue
The standing posture is mainly maintained by the muscles in the legs and trunk. These muscles require oxygen and nutrients provided through blood circulation. In the absence of proper blood supply, the body acts similarly to a car running out of gas; movement becomes impossible. Prolonged standing leads to a permanent contraction of the legs and lower back muscles that sometimes even reaches as far as the neck region. All these muscles must work without receiving adequate nutrients. Muscles also require proper rest to recover from more intensive work periods.
Once discomfort and pain sets in, factory workers become tired, less alert and efficient. The use of sit-stand chairs allows muscles a rest period, delaying both fatigue and discomfort.
3- Improve spine alignment
When standing during long periods in a static position, the spine is often not aligned optimally. In fact, factory workers who must remain standing at their work station have a tendency to block their knees in full extension. Holding this posture causes an abnormal curve in the lumbar region resulting in discomfort and inadequate posture.
The use of a sit-stand chair equipped with a seat inclined toward the front allows the user to maintain an optimal lumbar curve, reducing the risk of back pain and injury.
4- Maintain better posture
The use of this type of chair allows quick and easy movement between different postures. The semi-seated position encourages alternating between sitting and standing by reducing the effort it takes to stand compared to when one is seated. Moreover, although the sit-stand chair promotes better alignment of the spine, it is not designed specifically for optimal comfort. The small seat and the absence of a backrest on certain chairs, encourages the user to change posture frequently.
5- Improve mobility and accessibility
Certain factory tasks such as assembly require work to be done on a counter or high surface. High stools are commonly used and thought to be the best solution. However, the sit-stand chair is an alternative that should be considered in this type of situation; objects are easier to reach and movement greatly facilitated. When seated, the worker tends to flex and twist the trunk to seize objects. Conversely, a sit-stand position allows greater mobility of the trunk, encouraging the worker to stand to grasp objects further from reach.
Try it before you buy it!
If you think that sit-stand seating may be the solution to reduce worker discomfort in your workplace, it is nonetheless important to try it within your work environment. There are clear advantages to using this type of seating, but it is important to validate if these correspond to your needs.
In short, the advantages of using sit-stand seating are numerous; alternating between sitting and standing prevents discomfort as well as musculoskeletal disorders. Even within the factory environment, it is possible to use this equipment in multiple contexts to ensure optimal comfort.
Visit our website for more details about our sit-stand chair models or contact us for a free trial!