Safe Work Australia Targets Prolonged Sitting

Safe Work Australia (SWA) is urging employers to access a free evidence-based program designed to address the WHS risks associated with prolonged sitting, which included resources for those working at home during COVID-19.

Based on over 10 years of research, employers and businesses can now sign up to the BeUpstanding trial to gain access to resources and guidance on how to encourage workers to stand up, sit less, and move more.

The researchers say that interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in the workplace have become prevalent in recent years, in recognition of the potential risks of sedentary behaviour to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

SWA says 2020 has seen an increase in desk-based workplaces transitioning to, or increasing existing, working from home arrangements to minimise the risk of COVID-10 exposure.

“Workplaces across the country have had to adapt their policies and procedures and consult with workers to ensure WHS requirements are met even if workers are at home,” it said.

The toolkit includes fact sheets, videos and email templates which are tailored to desk-based workers working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BeUpstanding is based on the world-leading ‘Stand Up Australia’ program of research conducted at The University of Queensland, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in collaboration with Deakin University and Australian government and industry.