Abstract
Standing is one of the most preferred working postures in the manufacturing field as it provides a large degree of physical freedom and mobility to the human operators. In addition, the cognitive perceptions of the increase in work effectiveness and productivity rate among the human operators are the reasons this working posture is practiced. However, to stand erect for a long period of time or otherwise known as Prolonged Standing often leads to physiological discomfort, fatigue and even health issues such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The aim of this paper is to review on the effects resulting from Prolonged Standing and disseminates the information on the ergonomic interventions to relieve standing fatigue. Selected journals and research papers related to Prolonged Standing were reviewed and the findings showed that varying the floor conditions such as installing anti-fatigue mat and using shoes with soles would help in relieving discomfort associated with the cumulative effects of Prolonged Standing. Nevertheless, further research is needed to truly quantify the effectiveness of these suggested ergonomics interventions in real world implementations such as in the manufacturing industry.
Highlights
Prolonged standing as a working posture for human operators is a very common sight in manufacturing plants which utilize the assembly lines concept [1, 2]
This study suggests that this is perhaps due to the cognitive perception of the increase in productivity rate and work effectiveness among the human operators while assuming this working posture
This study suggested that to minimize physiological discomfort resulting from prolonged standing, there is a need to view the issue from the overall perspective, for instance, from the perspective of the condition of the workstation, the job and the operator
Summary
Prolonged standing as a working posture for human operators is a very common sight in manufacturing plants which utilize the assembly lines concept [1, 2]. Though this particular working posture is being held responsible to the prevalence of psychological and muscles fatigue among human operators [2, 3]; the working posture is still being continuously practiced globally [1, 2]. This study aims to review literature related to prolonged standing with a special focus on the outcomes of the ergonomics interventions in relieving the psychological and muscles fatigue closely associated with the topic as experienced by the human operators. The physiological defects from assuming the working posture and the results or the effectiveness in the implementation of the ergonomic interventions would be disseminated in the industry to elevate awareness and for counter measures to be implemented where necessary.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
