Personal Learning Zone in this issue

Summary:

FEATURED ARTICLES

This issue of Occupational Health [at Work] features a Personal Learning Zone (PLZ) article recommended for continuing professional development (CPD). The assignment questions, ‘personal learning statement’ and ‘Certificate of engagement’ are available to subscribers at https://www.atworkpartnership.co.uk/occupational-health-conferences/cpd These will also be stored in your password-protected PLZ. The PLZ will help you document your own CPD. Occupational health physicians and nurses, occupational hygienists and other professionals can use the resource in support of their specialism’s revalidation or CPD requirements.

Pages 20–25. Sleep, work and ill health.Sleep disorders can have profound implications for individuals and their fitness for work. Occupationally relevant disorders include obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, narcolepsy, nocturnal epilepsy and circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Health screening for such disorders will be important in safety-critical jobs, including driving, and temporary work adjustments may be required until the condition is successfully treated.

ADDITIONAL CPD

The following articles, news and research items are suggested reading for CPD and professional revalidation. Subscribers can complete their online Personal Learning Zone CPD record at https://www.atworkpartnership.co.uk/occupational-health-conferences/cpd

Page 6. Public Health England has updated its guideline on the management of healthcare workers infected with a bloodborne virus, which includes guidance on health clearance to carry out exposure-prone procedures. It amends the procedures for testing hepatitis B viral load and introduces the concept of an ‘exposure-prone environment’.

Page 8-9. The government has published an independent review of mental health and work, which calls on all employers to implement six ‘mental health core standards’ to improve support for employees struggling with mental health issues. Larger employers and the public sector should go even further by implementing four ‘enhanced standards’.

Pages 13-14 The Court of Justice of the European Union held that an employer who either carries out a defective risk assessment for a women who is breastfeeding or fails to carry out one out at all will be liable for sex discrimination.

Pages 26–29 Problem gambling and gambling disorder can have serious repercussions for individuals in both their work and home lives. But various telltale signs can help OH professionals recognise employees struggling to cope. Recognition of problem gambling can be the first step to providing support.

Pages 38–42 Our compendium of research reviews features a groundbreaking study linking exposure to carbon nanotubes with mesothelioma. Other papers include studies on needlestick injuries, obesity, mental health and mindfulness training.

Author: The At Work Partnership Ltd

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2017/2018 (vol. 14/4) pp43

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