A Review of Studies Concerning Prolonged Standing Working Posture

Abstract

Standing is one of the most preferred working postures in the manufacturing field as it provides a large degree of physical freedom and mobility to the human operators. In addition, the cognitive perceptions of the increase in work effectiveness and productivity rate among the human operators are the reasons this working posture is practiced. However, to stand erect for a long period of time or otherwise known as Prolonged Standing often leads to physiological discomfort, fatigue and even health issues such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The aim of this paper is to review on the effects resulting from Prolonged Standing and disseminates the information on the ergonomic interventions to relieve standing fatigue. Selected journals and research papers related to Prolonged Standing were reviewed and the findings showed that varying the floor conditions such as installing anti-fatigue mat and using shoes with soles would help in relieving discomfort associated with the cumulative effects of Prolonged Standing. Nevertheless, further research is needed to truly quantify the effectiveness of these suggested ergonomics interventions in real world implementations such as in the manufacturing industry.