Since I’m cooking since I’m 9, I.ve never seen any reason to stand up unless at the stove. Why is it a crime to sit on a barstool and do the tedious chopping, shredding, grating, de-veining? The cook must also serve the dishes at precise temperatures and presentation, which happens at the very end and under perfectionist stress. I say sit down until you have to stand up. Happier cook, happier guests.
1) A falling knife has no handle.
2) There are no chairs in commercial kitchens.
I've lived with both those rules and rarely get cut. I will break the chair rule. ;)
/johnny