Don’t die on your feet
6 September 2005
BOSSES should let staff sit down to stop them literally dying on their feet, a leading employment lawyer has warned.
The serious health problems facing shop assistants were highlighted in a recent report by the TUC which found millions of people worked in conditions worse than in Victorian times.
According to the TUC more than 2 million sick days are lost every year due to lower limb disorders among employees who spend a long time standing or walking.
Despite calls at the start of the 1900s for action to be taken to safeguard worker’s health, today’s shop staff are exposed to just as much risk of poor circulation, varicose veins, swelling in feet and legs, joint damage, pregnancy complications and heart and circulation problems as their ancestors were over a century ago.
Jane Booker, partner at Preston law firm MWR, said: “Basic adjustments to the way millions of people work will save numerous sick days each year.
“This report shows that there is no need for prolonged standing and bosses should appreciate that people need to sit down not because they are lazy but because they are safeguarding their health.”
Tips for safe working include:
- a choice to sit or stand at will – if standing is unavoidable provide a seat
- variation to give workers different tasks to increase body position and movement
- a foot-rail or footrest to enable workers to shift weight from one leg to the other
- good-fitting footwear which does not change the shape of the foot, shock absorbing cushioned insoles and heels no higher than 5cm (2 inches)
- adjustable height work surface
MWR Solicitors has over 50 employees in Preston and provides legal advice on all aspects of accident claims, occupational diseases, employment law and criminal injuries.
