Affiliations: Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Stephan Konz, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Eng., Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA. Tel.: +1 785 539 5921; Fax: +1 785 532 3738; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Industrial work environments, such as warehouses, stockrooms, supermarket checkouts, and assembly lines, often require workers to stand for long periods of time within a small area without the capability for much movement. This study summarizes the different indices used to evaluate standing work and also evaluates the various standing aids, available at the present time, to reduce the standing stress. The subjective indices of standing are discomfort/pain in the torso and, especially, the legs and feet. Physiological indices are heart rate, skin temperature of the leg, and volume changes of the leg. Standing stress can be reduced by: (1) softer floors (i.e., mats), (2) better shoes, (3) foot rests, (4) walking, and (5) sit/stand chairs.
