The amount of time employees in contemporary offices spend sitting increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers, Curtin University researchers say.

On average 75% of the office workday is spent sitting, with many unbroken bouts of at least 30 minutes, according to their studies.

“Globally, about 2% of deaths are related to traditional work-related risks, such as falls and pollutants, but about 6% are related to too much sitting,” physiotherapy professor Leon Straker said.

“Recent evidence suggests the health consequences of too much sitting are of similar magnitude to obesity, tobacco and alcohol use.”

Professor Straker, from the university’s School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, says insufficient physical activity is defined as below 2.5 to five hours of moderately intense exercise a week. But people who reach that level can still be too sedentary.

Australian Government guidelines recommend cutting down on prolonged spells of sitting, but changing workplaces and increased computer use have led to more sedentary employment.

“Occupational health and safety laws in Australia require employers to provide a ‘safe system of working’,” Professor Straker said. “However, given the available evidence, it appears that modern offices may be failing to provide a safe system of work.”

The report recommends changes such as standing meetings, sit-and-stand workstations and active workshops.

This article was first published in Life+Health insuranceNEWS.com.au.