Health impacts of prolonged standing for workers

Prolonged standing and walking during work shifts can lead to significant physical strain for millions of employees, including nurses, retail staff, and restaurant workers. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 97 million working adults in the US hold jobs involving frequent standing or walking.

Data from 2025 indicates that waiters and waitresses spend an average of 98.6% of their workday standing or walking. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that continuously standing in one place can cause muscle fatigue. NIOSH reports that prolonged standing is linked to low-back pain, muscle pain, leg swelling, and physical fatigue.

Standing in a fixed position reduces the muscle activity necessary to pump blood through the lower legs, which can cause blood to pool. NIOSH emphasizes the importance of providing workers with opportunities to move and change positions during their shifts to mitigate these health risks.