PERSONAL LEARNING ZONE

Summary:

FEATURED ARTICLE

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 ohaw.co/AWPcpd. 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 34–38. Mental health issues in the workplace.  Although mental health issues often seem complex, occupational health professionals can help their employee-patients through active listening and setting an expectation of recovery. They should think about work as a treatment, and consider recommending time away from work only where it is appropriate and where there is a clear return-to-work plan in place. Work restrictions and accommodations need to be planned carefully and, where possible, with an expiration date.

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 ohaw.co/AWPcpd

Pages 8–9. A report by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee identifies various challenges women experiencing the menopause face in work. It recommends introducing specific legislation and calls on employers to do more to support female staff.

Pages 10–12. A decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal underlines the importance not only of devising reasonable adjustments but also of employers making sure they are implemented and (so far as appropriate) sustained.

Pages 16–24. Minimum eyesight standards must be met to hold a valid UK driving licence, with more rigorous standards in place for drivers of lorries and buses. In order to discuss fitness-to-drive issues with employees, OH professionals should have an understanding of the vision standards and their associated tests.

Pages 39–40. People often assume that all law is to be found in statutes and statutory instruments made by Parliament. In fact, much of our law is still in the form of common law, made by judges when they decide cases in the courts.

Pages 41–42. Our compendium of recent research includes a cross-sectional study of coping strategies associated with resilience in office-based line managers, and a meta-analysis of the association between physical activity and mental health.

Author:

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2022 (vol. 19/3) pp43

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