Venous disease and ergonomics of female employment

The aim of this study was to describe the employment conditions of women with chronic venous disorders of the lower limbs.

Cross sectional study conducted by general practitioners who describe the first 3 women, between 18 and 65 years of age, who were employed and who presented with at least CEAP stage I venous disorders.

Occupations held by these women indicate significant departures from the general population with an over representation of industrial workers (18.6% vs 11.9%) and an under representation of intermediate professions (12.5% vs 26.6%), (P<0.001). At work, 78.2% (n=4,143) of the women remained standing for 6.2+/-2.4 hours per day and/or 52.3% (n=2,771) were seated for prolonged periods, 28.9% (n=1 503) were exposed to sources of high heat on the legs and 18.2% (n=947) wore garments that compressed the abdomen Conditions favorable to the ergonomic evolution of their workstation are limited: only 9.2% (n=397) thought it possible to reduce the time they spend standing; 10.1% (n=319) the time they spend sitting; 12.9% (n=189) their exposure to heat. Combating these factors appears difficult: 74.3% (n=3 883) state that they do not have sufficient breaks to rest their legs, 38.9% (n=2,053) that they do not have the opportunity to stretch their legs and 42.5% (n=1,395) that compression stockings would be permitted, but would be a hindrance in their work (85.6%, n=4,503). For 27% (n=1,424) of respondents, these problems significantly increase the arduousness of their work and 73.7% (n=3,870) think their working conditions have worsened their venous distress.

Women who consult for venous problems are employed in work which are characterized by unavoidable conditions constituting undeniable venous risk factors for venous disease and occupational medicine does not pay enough attention to the ''ladies legs'' at work.