OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH - 08.06.2005

DVT and drivers

Long distance risks

It’s likely that some of your staff drive regularly on company business. These may be on-call staff, such as engineers or your sales team. Whatever the circumstances, it’s likely that some of them drive for lengthy periods in one go; especially if they cover a wide geographical area. If this is so, then you should be aware of the findings of some research that’s been carried out into Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in drivers. What do you need to be aware of?

What is DVT?

A DVT refers to the formation of blood clots in deep veins, usually in the legs. It’s caused by remaining seated in a restricted space for long periods of time. This allows veins in the feet and legs to become constricted and blood clots to form. The danger is that a clot could travel to another part of the body, such as the lungs. If this happens, it can cause chest pain, shortage of breath and even sudden death. This may not happen immediately, but hours or possibly days after the clot’s formation. In other words, when someone least expects a problem. According to recent research by BUPA, about one in 2,000 people in the UK develops a DVT each year.

Research

Whilst most research concentrates on the relationship between air travel and DVT, the RAC Foundation refers to some that was carried out into the effects that long distance car journeys can have on the development of DVT. Dr Emile Ferrari, a cardiologist at the Hospital Pasteur in France, published a report in 2001 which suggested that any journey of four hours or more carries a risk of blood clots. In a case-controlled study of 160 patients who had been admitted for DVT, he found that 25% had a history of recent travel. Out of these, two had travelled by train, nine by aeroplane, but 28 had made their journey by car.

What are the symptoms?

Whilst you won’t always have advance warning of a problem, a DVT usually has symptoms. These are as follows; (1) a swelling of the leg; (2) warmth and redness of the leg, and; (3) a noticeable pain which worsens when standing or walking. Any staff experiencing these symptoms should visit their GP to be on the safe side. According to the RAC Foundation, some groups are more susceptible than others. Those at risk include pregnant women, staff who are obese, those with a family history of DVT and anyone with a blood disorder which leads to an increased risk of blood clots.

Taking precautions

Whilst more research needs to be carried out into the effect that driving can have on the development of DVT, consider making those who drive on business aware of the risks.

Tip. Issue a health questionnaire to those who drive regularly. This should ask if they have a family history of DVT or if they’ve experienced problems with blood clotting. Any problems can be referred to a GP. Also remind staff to try and stop every couple of hours to stretch their legs.

For a free copy of our revised health questionnaire, visithttp://healthandsafetyindicator.co.uk(HS 03.18.06).