The average worker spends roughly half of their workdays sitting at a desk, but according to new research, sitting too much can cause a host of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Sitting for long periods of time can contribute to weight gain, and some studies have shown that sitting for long hours can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease.
One recent study found that office workers who sit more than six hours a day at work are three times more likely to be obese, and even after controlling for factors like age, sex, and activity levels, researchers found that the amount of time spent sitting at work was strongly associated with obesity.
In addition to contributing to weight gain, long periods of sitting at work can also increase the risk of heart disease. A study by researchers from the University of British Columbia found that people who sat for more than eight hours a day were 28% more likely to die from heart disease than those who sat for fewer than four hours.
Researchers also found that men who sit for more than eight hours a day at work were 38% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than men who sat for fewer than four hours. Women who sat for more than eight hours a day were 24% more likely to die from heart disease than women who sat for fewer than four hours.
In terms of diabetes, there’s a strong link between prolonged sitting and the disease. A study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that sitting for more than three hours a day increased the risk of developing diabetes by 23%, and the risk rose even higher for people who sat for more than five hours a day.
Another study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that people who spend more than four hours a day sitting have a nearly double risk of getting type 2 diabetes than people who spend less than two hours a day sitting.
According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost one-third of injuries reported to state workers' compensation programs in 2018 were considered non-occupational. The category includes cases of workplace violence, suicide, and mental health issues.
It's important to note that non-occupational injuries and illnesses are often overlooked by employers. However, they may have serious long-term consequences, such as higher healthcare costs, lost productivity, and the need for additional training.
• Suicide
• Intentional self-harm
• Physical assault
• Mental health conditions
• Substance abuse
• Domestic violence
• Other crimes
• Other causes
Employers who fail to investigate and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses can be liable for compensation. They must keep track of employee injuries and make sure they are promptly addressed, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
However, it can be difficult to prove a workplace injury or illness was caused by negligence. Injured workers must show that their injuries and illnesses resulted from unsafe working conditions. If a workplace injury is caused by a coworker, employer, or customer, then workers' compensation coverage is generally not available.
In many cases, workers' compensation insurance will pay medical costs, temporary disability benefits, and a portion of the injured worker's wages while he or she is recovering. There are limits to what's covered, however, and workers must be careful to follow the terms of their policies.