Posted By Paul Huber I need to evaluate the risk for a person suffering Bi-Polar disorder. I ammeeting her doctor this week and would welcome any guidance or examples of questions to ask, etc. Also if anyone has a plan for looking after someone with this condition, risk assessments, etc that they are willing to share.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Paul If the personal has been clinically diagnosed with the condition you describe, it's wisest to ask for access to the written assessment of the clinical psychologist and/or psychiatrist in order to determine how to assess the degrees of risk to the individual and others arising from the condition. Because mood changes in someone with this condition can be abrupt and fairly extreme unless they're pharmacologically controlled, it could be very difficult for you to proceed without the clinical assessment.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Paul Questions to ask her doctor, to assist your assessment of occupational risks: 1. Please may I have access to your records on this problem in professional confidence or let me have a summary report? 2. Have you referred her for psychological or psychiatric help? 3. What behavioural problems at work if any can you foresee with this patient? 4. Is she on any medication that may affect her use of machinery at work, including driving vehicles? Questions to consider asking the employee: 5. What kinds of hazards at work are you aware of ? 6. Does your medical condition affect your behaviour in relation to any of these hazards? 7. Are there any particular times of the day (or night, if she does night work) when you feel particularly affected? 8. Does working alone cause any particultr problems for you? 9. Does working with customerss pose any special risks for you (or them)? 10. Have you discussed with your line manager/supervisor how your condition may pose risks to your safety/health or safety/health of others at work? 11. Will you complete a brief feedback questionnaire for us once a month? 12. If you feel you need my help about managing risks at work, will you phone or email me, please? As Frank H. indicates, there can be more than meets the eye with an employee with a psychological disorder. The ergonomist, Duncan Abbott, has a useful relevant guide to assessing risks of people with disabilities. It's available to purchase at his website, wwww.enricosmog.co.uk

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Claire What information have you got about myself or the others who have offered opinions you choose to criticise? As a chartered psychologist and qualified counsellor, as well as a CMIOSH, I have carefully recorded opinions based on relevant research. From my knowledge of Frank Hallett, he has done likewise Evidently, you would benefit by looking to controlling your own behaviour before sounding off 'As usual a lot of people giving advice on something they seem to know nothing about'.

Posted By safetyamateur For me, Neil R's bang on with his advice. If the OH people point up an H&S issue then existing risk assessments get reviewed

Posted By Neil R Er... excuse me claire, how exactly did i give inaccurate advice?. Nowhere in H&S legislation does it state that risk assessments need be carried out for medical conditions, it is the job of occupational health and HR to deal with this. I have first hand experience of many people suffering with bi-polar disorder, most of these people work as normal like everybody else, with no problems. My advice was to stay out of it, it is not our job to deal with medical conditions like bi-polar, it is our job to ensure that workplace hazards do not affect the person in question whilst at work, and thats what we should do. Sound advice if you ask me.

Posted By clairel Ok, I apologise if people have taken offence (I assume that is why so many posts were removed) - can we at least allow Paul this link? http://www.mind.org.uk/I...ing+manic+depression.htm

Posted By Lilian McCartney Hi Paul, we have an employee who has bipolar, we provide support for people int their own homes (most of whom are vulnerable adults). Our employees 'condition' is relatively well controlled however there may be periods when the meds don't work as well ro when the GP decides to alter meds etc. We do personal Risk Assessments - Extra Duty of care for all employees who may require one. Basically it is to state in writing what we expect of the employee and what we can do for them when they have a 'blip'. The risk assessment mentions lone working, sleepovers etc and also contains action the employee should do if they feel something is happening i.e. they must speak to their Line manager immediately. I can't really send their risk assessment as its personal but I can sen form is you wish. I used our Occ Health professional for info when preparing risk assessment as they had been fully advised of duties of employee and had previously spoken to the employee.

Posted By IOSH Moderator Just to clarify the situation, posts were hidden because they appeared (to the mods at least) to be of an antagonistic nature and/or on the wrong forum. We occasionally need to take action without consulting posters directly in order to prevent further escalation of a situation or deviation from a thread subject. This was one of those times and as we came late to the thread, several posts needed to be hidden. Feel free to re-post any relevant links as clairel has already done. Regards Jonathan