Rank: Forum user 
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Has anyone come across drivers suffering from varicose veins caused by sitting down for long periods of time? reading through NHS advice it seems that these are mainly caused by standing up and I cant find anything to link driving to varicose veins. Driver has suggested these are caused by long periods sitting whilst driving (up t0 12 hourse per day)
regards
Kev
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Rank: Super forum user
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NHS Advice informs that varicose veins are usually caused by weak vein walls and valves. http://www.nhs.uk/Condit...-veins/Pages/Causes.aspxThere are several other factors that then increase the risk i.e. gender genetics age being overweight occupation being pregnant other conditions Under Occupation, it states that:- Some research suggests jobs that require long periods of standing may increase your risk of getting varicose veins. This is because your blood does not flow as easily when you are standing for long periods of time.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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With automatic / assisted transmissions, cruise control and adaptive distance systems the regular foot and leg movements normally associated with the activity of driving are reducing.
Lack of activity can contribute to blood pooling in the legs (either standing or sitting) - "well being" advice given to air travellers is to regularly move legs, flex ankles or walk about to counter this phenomenom even on relativley short flights 1 hour upwards.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Driving for 10-12 hours a day?
The HC advises a break every 2 hours or so, and getting out of vehicle, walk a bit, stretch etc.
Whilst this applies to driving on roads, a similar principle must surely be applied for all such work, or maybe you do make drivers of workplace vehicle work solidly for such lengths?
Not necessarily a varicose vein connection, (as you say, individual 'suggestion') however, other musculoskeletal or circulation problems could arise if this work situation is true.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The US did some research into this for long distance bus drivers a few years back. It resulted in what they called the bus driver in cab fit scheme or something like that. It was similar logic to the theories on DVT from the research. I added the information as the rationale behind the medical assessment (in addition to legal min) for mobile workers.
I will find the link and post it.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Sorry can't find the link. I have the papers as it is a risk factor that is looked at during an occupational health assessment and medical.
PM me if you need more.
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Rank: Super forum user
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You could recommend long compression socks to assist with fending off blood pooling and so forth.
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Rank: Forum user
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If you are talking about LGV or Bus drivers, then surely they could/should be encouraged to get out and move around during their mandatory driving hours breaks (45minutes for every 4 1/2 hours for those that don't know).
Equally surely van or car drivers must be stopping periodically to make deliveries or attend meetings?
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Rank: Forum user
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Apologies for not replying sooner , doing the open assessment this week so trying to do that. I looked at what the driver does and he would be best described as a multi drop delivery driver. drives for a bit, 15-20 mins moving stock 30 mins driving repeat, struggling to find any sort of link
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Rank: Super forum user
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There is only a link in severe cases but it is a combination of a number of other factors weight and congenital...in minor cases this is a cosmetic issue...although combined with a number of other factors can increase health risks for other more severe issues like cardiac etc. He might not like the answer but this is a help your self to minimise the effect over time...also I wouldn't class it as clearly a work related illness based on the information you have provided so far....
Let me know how you get on ... :)
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