Posted By Andrew Meiklejohn I suppose it's a bit like that chinese guy who died in an internet cafe. Some people lose track of time when working at computer terminals. I used to work as a mac operator and sometimes i would could work for three or four hours straight... however i got wise and downloaded an alarm clock so it would tell me to go away every hour. The requirements for breaks varies dependent on the work. H&S wise they have to be adequate. The working time directive says an employee has to have a break 20 minute on a 6 hour shift. Does the employer have an obligation to ensure that the employee takes his breaks...? Under workin time no. Under H&S i would say that there is. I think the main issues about DVT is lack of movement and predisposition towrads the condition. Most people will be low risk but if the current obesity levels continue that may well change. IMO workstation assessment should be a lot more specific to the person and the role they perform. The WA for an office manager and a 999 operator should be poles apart but both operate a computer.