In a recently published present report, at the request of the Dutch Minister of
Social Affairs and Employment, the Health Council of the Netherlands has
investigated whether at the present time there are any new scientific insights
concerning health-based or safety-based limit values for work performed while
standing, kneeling or squatting.

This report is one of a series of advisory reports in which the Committee on
the Identification of Workplace Risks examining occupational risks covered by
the Dutch Working Conditions Act and its associated regulations. To answer the
Minister's questions, the Committee studied the scientific data on adverse
health effects of working in standing, kneeling or squatting position, and
considered the results of longitudinal studies to be particularly important, as
they involve the least likelihood of bias.

On the basis of the available scientific data, the Committee concluded that it
is not possible to indicate a safe level below which no adverse health effects
would be expected for people who work in standing, kneeling or squatting
position. However, it was possible to obtain information on the extent of the
risks of lower-back complaints arising from either working in standing position
or working in squatting position.

More information:

AplusA-online.de - Source: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work