Putting you first at the centre of what we do. Keeping you healthy and safe at work. Supporting you when you are harmed at work. Ensuring your scheme works and is sustainable.
Preventing DVT
Advising staff of the following preventative measures will help to reduce the risk of DVT.
Long distance air travel
Some precautions to assist with the prevention of DVT while travelling are:
- reduce the length of the flight by planning stopovers whenever possible
- exercise your legs en route, e.g. mobilise ankles and massage calves
- drink plenty of fluids
- limit alcohol intake (dehydrating agent)
- wear compression stockings (particularly if in the high risk group)
Aspirin is often recommended, but it is of limited value in preventing clots in veins. It is more effective in preventing clots in arteries, e.g. heart attacks/strokes.
In the office
For DVT in the workplace, some useful preventative measures are:
- regular breaks away from the workstation (e.g. five minutes per hour)
- sufficient staff to allow for adequate breaks, with a minimum 30 minute lunch break for any shift exceeding five hours
- a minimum 30 minute lunch break for any shift exceeding five hours
- lunch breaks scheduled in the middle of the shift
- a paid morning tea break of at least 10 minutes
- a paid afternoon tea break of at least 10 minutes
- a roster that ensures two consecutive days off per week
- adequate rest periods monitored as part of the health and safety assessment
- no restriction on toilet breaks
- no restriction on drink breaks
- sufficient time allocated to preparation, reading and logging-in/out