Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke Hi This issue should be covered under your lone working risk assessments. Can you not update or undertake one on him? This is a bit of a hazy memory, but depending on which type he is. Er, Hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic, depends on the different signs and symptoms. One condition doesn't occur suddenly, so he should be aware of any potential issues when he does his blood tests in the morning. So this shouldn't effect his safe work performance. After this sudden storm of inspiration, I have now run out. If you get stuck, try emailing kerry Rhodes for accurate info. kerry@rhodes2safety.com I am not asociated with kerry! Linda SHE Knows Ltd.

Posted By David Brede The important thing to remember is that for 99% of cases a diabetic does not pose a risk if it is properly controlled. Although one of my sons is a diabetic I went for 3 years before I realised a work colleague was the same! The essential things are to ensure that the work colleague can access food or drink as required and is able to adminster the insulin ok. If they have type 1 this usually involves injections so can be off putting if this cannot be done in private.Having a clean area for the diabetic does reduce the risk of collateral infection. Often it is others who have the problem as they may assume that they have a drug addict on their hands or may get upset. I can recall a woman injecting herself with insulin on a train causing another passenger to faint. For both type 1 and 2 diabetes regular routines often play a part in blood sugar level control so chopping and changing breaks or rest periods can be an issue. Access to a fridge is good for the storage of insulin which typically requires to be kept at 2 to 8 degrees C until used, and food such as Mars Bars, lucozade or whatever the diabetic uses for emergency topping up of their blood sugar levels. When in use insulin can be kept at room temperature but should not exceed 25 degrees C. Diabetics can get packs e.g. Frio, to solve this problem. In the event of a hypo (low blood sugar levels)or a hyper(high blood sugar levels) the diabetic may know the symptoms so these can be looked for by supervisors or First Aiders who may have to provide first aid. As for working alone this is a golden opportunity to revisit the whole issue. Do you ask lone workers to ring in at frequent intervals, do you provide or ensure that they have mobile phones? Do you ask them to let you know their work programme so that you can check that they are reaching the intended locations? A particular issue with diabetics is an aversion to cold coming from having thicker blood vessels so this may be something to avoid or minimise. Diabetics may have a propensity to changing levels of sight may be a problem then more frequent DSE assessments may be required. Yes, a diabetic may have poor control resulting in hypers or hypos but with a little thought and due consideration they will work as a efficiently and as effectively as anyone else.

Posted By STEVE Thanks For those who have responded, this additional info has been of use in how I am to address this hopefully small issue. Neil would appreciate info if it can be found Steve