Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's efforts to reduce the strain of standing work
Standing work is all the rage in the world
There are many jobs that require standing for long periods of time, regardless of industry or occupation, such as "factory line work," "supermarket cashier work," and "security and traffic control work." While standing has its advantages, such as being able to maintain concentration and being easy to move around in, it also has disadvantages, such as putting a lot of strain on the legs and back when done for long periods of time.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Initiatives
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has issued the "Occupational Safety and Health Regulations" to ensure the safety and health of workers and create a comfortable working environment. Article 615 of the Industrial Safety and Health Regulations requires employers to provide chairs where employees often have the opportunity to sit down during work. (Reference link: e-Gov Law Search )
Article 615 (Chairs for business)
Employers must provide chairs available to workers engaged in continuous standing work where there is the opportunity for them to sit down frequently during working hours.
In addition, the "Guidelines for preventing back pain in the workplace" formulated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare outlines preventative measures for back pain in five types of work that are relatively common in causing back pain (work involving handling heavy objects, standing work, sitting work, nursing care work in the welfare and medical fields, driving a vehicle, etc.). Among these measures, the guidelines recommend using chairs with high seats for long periods of standing work. (Reference link: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: Take steps to prevent back pain in the workplace! )
Ⅱ Standing work
3. Setting up chairs
(1) In cases where standing work continues for long periods of time, such as when it is difficult to combine it with other work, chairs must be provided so that workers can sit down and take short breaks during work. In addition, chairs with high seats must be provided so that workers can work while sitting in a chair in addition to standing.
Examples of burden reduction measures
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare introduces examples of companies that have implemented measures to reduce the burden on the legs and back by improving the work environment, such as installing chairs that employees can sit on while working. (Reference link: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: Take measures to prevent back pain in the workplace! )
Retail (cashier)
This article introduces an initiative to reduce the strain on the legs, lower back, neck, and shoulders of cashiers, who are required to stand while working. By providing chairs, employees can stand and sit repeatedly, which not only reduces physical strain and improves concentration , but also reduces psychological stress thanks to the sense of security of being able to sit down.
It also highlights the importance of creating an environment that takes into account the work flow of cashier operations.
(Reference: Daiei Inc. website )
(Reference: Aoki Super Co., Ltd. website )
(Reference: Checker Support Corporation website )
Source: Case 01 Daiei Co., Ltd. / Case 02 Aoki Supermarket Co., Ltd.
Accommodation industry (hotel front desk work)
The article introduces an initiative to install chairs to reduce the strain on the legs and backs of hotel front desk staff. By using chairs with high seats , they can be seen sitting from across the counter, so customers don't have to worry about how they look.
(Reference: Vista Hotel Management Co., Ltd. website )
Source: Case01 Vista Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
Security services (guard station work)
Based on research results that show that sitting reduces fatigue and stress, suppresses increases in heart rate and blood pressure, and reduces physical strain , the program introduces efforts to implement seated security patrols.
The guidelines also introduce other measures, such as providing heatstroke first aid kits containing polo shirts, air conditioning fans, and instant cooling agents.
(Reference: Security Shonai Co., Ltd. website )
Source: Case 01 Security Shonai Co., Ltd.