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 36–40. Health, safety and disability. In Rex v Wm Morrisons plc, the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of Morrisons Supermarkets, which was fined £3.5 million following the death of a man with epilepsy after a fall from a first-floor staircase. The case not only raises questions concerning risk assessments

specifically for employees with disabilities, but also of the role of OH in advising on fitness to work and in suggesting possible workplace adjustments to enable disabled individuals to work safely.

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 04-05. The cost of people going to work despite being sick is rising. An employee’s perception of how their job affects their wellbeing appears to be a major factor driving presenteeism.

Pages 09-10. The Employment Appeal Tribunal in Cairns v Royal Mail, which included a claim that the employer failed to make reasonable adjustments, is a reminder that tribunals will look at the situation at the time the alleged disability discrimination took place.

Pages 13-18. Delayed referrals to OH and underestimating the impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on individual workers are two of the biggest challenges to successfully supporting employees with cancer back to work.

Pages 19-25. People with dyslexia struggle with reading text, which can be a major challenge in the workplace. Workplace adjustments vary in complexity and cost depending on the individual’s needs. A formal assessment may be required.

Pages 41-42. Our compendium of recent research includes a report into the first known UK cases of silicosis caused by exposure to dust from working with artificial stone (used in kitchen worktops and elsewhere), return to work following persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms, and sexual harassment of doctors by patients.

Author: The At Work Partnership Ltd

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2024 (vol. 21/3) pp43

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