DVT Risk To DSE Users Highlighted Once Again

With the emergence of further reports of deep vein thrombosis affecting workers using computers in offices and contact centres, the risk of DVT is clearly not limited to long-haul air travellers.

Health experts have repeated their warnings that office workers are at risk from deep vein thrombosis if they sit at their computers for long periods without a break.

The latest scare comes with reports of a Bristol computer programmer Chris Simmons, who collapsed in agony and was unable to move, after spending 12 hours at his screen.

His partner discovered him after an hour and the blood clot
was found a few days later when he began coughing up blood and subsequently underwent an MRI scan.

He had suffered a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot that travelled from his leg and lodged in his lung.

Doctors told him he would have died if the clot on his lungs had moved to his brain.

Mr Simmons aged 41, works from home, is a vegetarian and not overweight but he has changed his routine. "I've spent all my working life at my desk - about eight or nine hours a day. Now, I get up from the computer more often, even if it it's just to play with the cats for 10 minutes, or make a cup of tea," he said.

His case highlights the growing danger of 'e-thrombosis' among young people, said the charity Lifeblood.

It said not only were people spending longer sitting at their desks at work but they were also leading more sedentary lifestyles at home. Medical director of the charity Lifeblood, Dr Beverley Hunt said: 'Sitting for very long periods in an office has never been considered a risk before but immobility is a key factor in causing thrombosis.

The term e-thrombosis was coined following reports of a 32-year-old man in New Zealand who inexplicably suffered a pulmonary embolism. He often spent all day at his computer, remaining seated for hours on end.

Employers who make it increasingly difficult for their staff to take regular DSE breaks throughout the day, are at risk of being accused of putting the health of their staff at risk.

There is already concern over the level of stress in UK workplaces and the pressure from managers that has created a situation were millions of workers feel guilty about having a break form their desks, with up to 46% of those asked in a recent study saying they take no breaks at all and drink tea or coffee at their desks.

Concern also exists in the fact that the risk of DVT, no matter how small, brings scheduling of DSE breaks without natural breaks throughout the day,into serious question.

Commenting on the issues, Lee Davies, Vice Chair of the BTU H&S Co-ord said, " Our advice to our members working in office and call centre environments is to ensure that ALL scheduled breaks are taken, and that regular hourly breaks from the desk to make a drink or for a natural break should be part of every working day."

Source: Guardian, Metro, BBC News

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