Almost 150 years ago doctors warned of the occupational health risks of prolonged standing at work. In the 1870s and 1880s, doctors in Paris, London and New York began to report large numbers of “shop girls” suffering foot ailments caused by prolonged standing.
In today’s economy, with the emphasis on service sector jobs, research points out almost half of all workers worldwide spend more than three-quarters of their workday on their feet. At-risk jobs are many, including “old economy” machine operators, printing press workers and assembly line workers; and service workers such as checkout operators, health care workers, bank staff, casino workers, reception staff, pharmacy technicians and hotel desk clerks.