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 15–19. Unsocial hours. Shiftworkers, particularly those working nights, experience disruptions to their biological and social rhythms, which for a variety of reasons can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Shiftwork that involves circadian disruption is ‘probably carcinogenic’. Health surveillance and good sleep hygiene are recommended.

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 06-07. The GMC has updated its professional standards for doctors, Good medical practice, which includes a clear definition of sexual harassment and an expectation that doctors should take action if they witness it.

Pages 10-11. In Pilkington UK v Jones, an employer dismissed an employee who was off sick with a musculoskeletal disorder after covert video footage showed him helping out at a friend’s farm. However, the employer did not involve OH in deciding that the employee’s activities breached its sickness policy. A finding of disability discrimination was upheld by the EAT.

Pages 20-26. In Pilkington UK v Jones, an employer dismissed an employee who was off sick with a musculoskeletal disorder after covert video footage showed him helping out at a friend’s farm. However, the employer did not involve OH in deciding that the employee’s activities breached its sickness policy. A finding of disability discrimination was upheld by the EAT.

Pages 27-32. Statutory health assessment for workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration can be carried out remotely, though this must be supported where necessary by appropriate clinical examination.

Pages 33-35. An employer may be justified in deciding not to send a worker with a health condition or disability to a country where there may be additional risks to their health and safety. OH advice is likely to be essential.

Pages 36-38. A Cochrane systematic review found no evidence that Mental Health First Aid benefits the mental health and wellbeing of the target population.

Author: The At Work Partnership Ltd

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2023 (vol. 20/3) pp39

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