Curtin University researchers have found sedentary working conditions are likely to contribute substantially to increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.<\/p>\n
Professor Leon Straker from Curtin\u2019s School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science said changes in the physical demands of work and increased use of computers over the last few decades, has led to more workers sitting and being employed in sedentary jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has likely had a detrimental effect on their health,\u201d Professor Straker said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recently updated Australian Government guidelines recommend minimising the time spent in prolonged sitting as the evidence for the harm associated with excessive sitting is now widely understood.<\/p>\n
\u201cGlobally, about two per cent of deaths are related to traditional work-related risks like falls and pollutants but about six per cent are related to too much sitting. This is through the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecent evidence suggests health consequences of too much sitting are of similar magnitude to obesity, tobacco and alcohol use,\u201d Professor Straker said.<\/p>\n
Curtin\u2019s study examined how much of the work day is spent in sedentary positions and found, on average, 75 per cent of the office workday is spent sitting, much of which is accumulated in unbroken bouts of a least 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cOccupational health and safety laws in Australia require employers to provide a \u2018safe system of working\u2019 however given the available evidence, it appears that modern offices may be failing to provide a safe system of work,\u201d Professor Straker said.<\/p>\n
Professor Straker said there are ways to minimise the risks and make changes to reduce chronic diseases including sit-stand workstations, active workshops, and even low-cost strategies such as standing meetings.<\/p>\n
\u201cMedical practitioners should also be prescribing behaviour changes to address occupational sedentary exposure,\u201d Professor Straker said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, if a doctor was aware that a patient had a slipped disc, the employee would stay away from lifting heavy objects at work. Similarly, a patient with a heart condition should be advised to move regularly and restrain from excessive sedentary behaviour.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Straker said all these strategies were important however ultimately, workers should be mindful to sit less, move more and move more often.<\/p>\n