WORK BREAK CUT -  LED TO DEADLY BLOOD CLOT

Use of Display Screen Equipment at work

A government worker who developed a life-threatening blood clot after sitting at her desk for hours without a break has received more than £10,000 in compensation. The employee, 53, nearly died after the work schedule at her office was restructured to reduce the time employees spent away from their desks.

Managers  set new routines which meant staff no longer had to leave their desks to do printing or photocopying tasks. The member of staff had suffered a previous blood clot and although it was successfully treated and she no longer had to take medication she was told by doctors to take breaks from her desk every 15 minutes. The old work routine meant she was naturally taking those breaks to collect work from the printer.

When the new system was put in place she complained to her line manager but was told she must abide by the new rules. Within weeks she started to suffer pains in her legs. Her GP diagnosed a blood clot and she had to receive emergency treatment to disperse it.

She must now take blood thinning medication on a daily basis and wear specialist stockings. She also has to attend the hospital every four weeks and still suffers from tired and painful legs. HM Customs and Revenue admitted liability and settled the claim out of court. A PCS national officer in a statement said: 'It is disgraceful that Angela's complaints were ignored despite her medical history. It is a classic case of management putting targets above their staff's health. It should never have taken the threat of legal action for this employee to be allowed to take a break from her desk.'

The relevant government legislation states "Plan work so there are breaks or changes of activity"  As the need for breaks depends on the nature and intensity of the work, the Regulations require breaks or changes of activity but do not specify their timing or length. However the guidance on the Regulations explains general principles, for example short, frequent breaks are better than longer, less frequent ones. Ideally the individual should have some discretion over when to take breaks."

You can read more on Ergonomics and Display screen equipment via the A-Z on the website. You can even download and employee workstation assessment.  If you have any specific queries you can always 'Ask the Expert'.