A qualitative review of existing national and international occupational safety and health policies relating to occupational sedentary behaviour

Pieter Coenen; Nicholas Gilson; Genevieve N Healy; David W Dunstan; Leon M Straker

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2016.12.010

A qualitative review of existing national and international occupational safety and health policies relating to occupational sedentary behaviour

Appl Ergon. 2017 Apr:60:320-333. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.12.010. Epub 2016 Dec 28.

Authors

Pieter Coenen¹, Nicholas Gilson², Genevieve N Healy³, David W Dunstan⁴, Leon M Straker⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
² School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
³ The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Brisbane, Australia; Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
⁴ The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Brisbane, Australia; Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
⁵ School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia. Electronic address: L.Straker@curtin.edu.au.

PMID: 28166892
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.12.010

Abstract

Prolonged sedentary time is now recognised as an emergent ergonomics issue. We aimed to review current occupational safety and health policies relevant to occupational sedentary behaviour. An electronic search for documents was conducted on websites of ergonomics and occupational safety and health organisations from 10 countries and six international/pan-European agencies. Additionally, 43 informants (nine countries) were contacted and an international conference workshop held. 119 documents (e.g. legislation, guidelines, codes of practice) were identified. Using a qualitative synthesis, it was observed that many jurisdictions had legal frameworks establishing a duty of care for employers, designers/manufacturers/suppliers and employees. While no occupational authority policies focusing specifically on sedentary behaviour were found, relevant aspects of existing policies were identified. We highlight implications for ergonomics research and practice and recommend the development of policy to specifically address occupational sedentary behaviour and support workplace initiatives to assess and control the risks of this emergent hazard.

Keywords: Occupational health; Policy; Qualitative research; Review; Sedentary behaviour.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Ergonomics
Guidelines as Topic*
Health Policy*
Humans
Motor Activity*
Movement*
Occupational Health / standards*
Qualitative Research
Workplace / organization & administration