3. Information for Staff
Safe Use of Sit/Stand
Workstations
Developed in Consultation with Strive Occupational Rehabilitation – Physiotherapy
Sit/stand workstations provide employees with an option of standing whilst completing desk based tasks.
It is vital that the correct device is purchased and that it is used appropriately to minimise risk of injury or
exacerbation of pre-existing injury.
Ensure you have read the following information sheet - 1. Information for Staff – Workstation Discomfort.
Contraindications associated with Sit/Stand Workstations
Seek medical advice regarding if it is appropriate for you to use a sit/stand workstation if you:
 have a circulatory condition or swollen lower limbs, including varicose veins and/or lymphedema;
- have any foot/ankle/knee or hip condition, including arthritis;
- have a lower back condition aggravated by lumbar extension postures;
- have hypertension (high blood pressure)
- have a heart condition
- wear graded lens glasses (as the monitors may be too high on some sit/stand workstations resulting in
unsafe neck postures) or,
- are experiencing swelling of feet/lower legs
- are pregnant
The following issues have been noted by staff trialling sit/stand workstations
 concerns regarding privacy/security of documents on screen when standing
 noise concerns when people are speaking on the phone in a standing position
 increased distractions when standing
 tired feet, legs and back
 straining back when adjusting the workstation between sit and stand positions.
Prior to purchasing any equipment, either for an individual’s medical condition or as part of a broader
program to reduce sedentary work, consult a member of the Injury Management Team –
Organisational Safety and Wellbeing Unit.
By contacting the Injury Management Team, you can ensure that appropriate equipment is acquired
and that reasonable adjustment and/or a rehabilitation and return-to-work program is considered and
implemented to support the individual’s needs, if required.
Additionally, a trial of a sit/stand workstation may also be available prior to making any purchases.
By contacting the Injury Management Team, you can ensure that appropriate equipment is acquired.
and that reasonable adjustment and/or a rehabilitation and return-to-work program is considered and
Other
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 1. Information for Staff – Workstation Discomfort
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 2. Information
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Additionally, a trial of equipment may also be available prior to any purchases.
Organisational Safety and Wellbeing – November 2015 – v 1.0
Document uncontrolled when printed
Sit/Stand Workstation Safe Operating Procedure and Agreement
Requirement
The sit/stand workstation will only be used when tasks can be done safely.
Privacy / Voice Volume: When in a standing position, consider the effect your altered position has on
your colleagues.
In the standing position, the user will be considerate to other staff.
The user will consider the privacy of others, including vision of their computer screens while working in
a standing position.
The user will consider the effect of increased voice projection and the potential to disturb others
particularly in “open plan” offices.
Setting Up Your Sit/Stand Workstation
Sit/stand workstation models that are located on top of an existing desk may be heavy. Appropriate
manual handling techniques must be adopted during unpacking and initial positioning.
The entire base of the sit/stand workstation must be positioned on desk surface or appropriately
clamped/secured.
The Workstation Ergonomics Self-Assessment and Office Ergonomics Guideline (http://education.qld.gov.au/health/docs/workstation-ergonomics-self-assessment-template.doc ) will be
used to adjust the workstation for the sitting position.
Documentation of this assessment will be kept.
The Workstation Ergonomics Self Assessment and Office Ergonomics Guideline (http://education.qld.gov.au/health/docs/workstation-ergonomics-self-assessment-template.doc )
Appropriate upper limb positioning during mousing and keying tasks (elbows by sides with no reaching
or hitching) will be maintained.
Documentation of this assessment will be kept.
Appropriate storage for the chair is to be allocated whilst standing, to prevent a trip hazard (e.g. tucked
under desk or at a central pod table).
Footwear
When sitting, the feet and lower back/pelvis share the weight bearing load of the body. When standing,
100% of the body weight is on the feet. Appropriate foot support and posture is necessary to ensure
appropriate weight and force distribution to prevent injury.
Shoes with high heels (i.e. greater than 5 cm maximum from floor to heel cm) must not to be worn as
heeled shoes cause altered centre of gravity and altered spinal posture.
Appropriate footwear will be worn at all times when using a sit/stand workstation i.e. flat shoes that
have adequate cushioning and arch support. (i.e. not “ballet flats”).
Use of Anti-Fatigue Mats
When anti-fatigue mats are used, the mat is to be placed in position for standing and carefully removed
and stored for sitting to ensure it does not become a trip hazard.
Heeled shoes are not to be worn on anti-fatigue mats at it will damage the mat and are unstable on this
surface.
Raising or Lowering the Sit/Stand Workstation
Sit/stand workstations offer a variety of height adjustment mechanisms. Correct technique is required
for using workstations with manual adjustment.
Procedure:
To raise and lower the workstation, the user will:
- Utilise two hands, with equal force between hands to avoid twisting
- Utilise a lower limb “stride stance” to ensure upward force is driven by the legs when raising the
device
- Maintain neutral spine when adjusting the workstation (i.e. keep low back curve)
- Face the workstation – do not twist the spine
- Work at a safe speed. Allow the sit/stand mechanism to do the majority of the work.
Tip: Once the optimal standing height has been established for your workstation, create a reference
point (e.g. ‘post it’ note on adjacent shelf or other marker), so the user can easily find this optimal height
again with minimal adjustment
Duration of Sitting/Standing
Standing increases the physical demand on the body. The user is to gradually increase standing
duration in accordance with the body’s tolerance.
If using a sit/stand workstation for a specific medical condition, the staff members treating Health
Professional (General Practitioner and/or Physiotherapist) must provide advice regarding
sitting/standing durations appropriate for their medical condition.
General users with no specific medical condition are to respond to signs of body fatigue in standing and
commence with short durations of standing e.g. commence with 10 minutes standing for every 50
minutes of sitting.
As endurance allows, increase standing duration whilst reducing sitting duration (e. g second phase –
stand for 15 minutes, sit for 45 minutes).
Monitor posture and tolerance in the standing position. The user will sit if any of the following are
noticed:
 Performing unsafe standing postures, e.g. leaning on the workstation, placing weight through only
one leg, jutting one hip out to the side, slumped upper back with poked out chin posture
 Any foot discomfort, or
 Lower limb symptoms of fatigue – aching or pain of any type.
Tip - Additional devices: Use of a footrest while standing can assist with maintaining appropriate
posture – one foot can be placed on the footrest in a stride stance, alternate left and right foot
placement on the footrest as desired. The footrest provides lower limb postural variation whilst
maintaining a neutral pelvis/low back position.
Consider setting a timer or reminders, to ensure postural breaks occur regularly. Don’t let pain be your
reminder to change your position.
Movement During Work Day
Continued Movement – additional to sit/stand workstation use
Ensure regular movement (e.g. short walk/stretch every 60 minutes) by:
- accessing the printer/scanner more regularly
- walking on scheduled breaks
- walk/stand when liaising with colleagues
- take the stairs rather than the elevator
- stretch during telephone calls
- taking a short walk around your work unit area (5 mins for example)
Regular movement ensures appropriate breaks for your eyes, positive postural changes and facilitates
circulation.
Also, maintain or implement general physical activity outside of work hours. Regular physical activity is
essential to health and wellbeing. The Heart Foundation recommends adults include at least 30 minutes
or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, if not all days of the week. Moderate intensity
physical activity includes walking, cycling, swimming, jogging – it does not include standing at a desk.
I confirm I have read and understand the guidelines regarding use of the sit/stand workstation.
_____________________
Signature
____________________________ ________
Name
Date
Keep this information handy (e.g. near your sit / stand workstation) while you have the device.
File a copy on your local personnel file or within your rehabilitation file.