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andysc  
#1 Posted : 24 November 2016 09:13:39(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
andysc

Manager at work wants to buy blood pressure monitor for member of staff to monitor his blood pressure whilst at work, Q what training would the first aider need, is the company liable for false readings ? 

mike52  
#2 Posted : 24 November 2016 09:22:57(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
mike52

why does your employer wish to purchase this. is it for a medica, condition. If so surely you need advice from a medical practitioner on how to monitor your employees properly.

Mike

Invictus  
#3 Posted : 24 November 2016 09:38:07(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Has the employee given permission for this to happen, quite a few people suffer with blood pressure issues, is he doing it for everyone?

Is his high blood pressure soley to do with the job he is doing?

watcher  
#4 Posted : 24 November 2016 10:51:45(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
watcher

I wouldn't expect a first aider to be monitorin blood pressure, so wouldn't be expecting them to do any training in it

A Kurdziel  
#5 Posted : 24 November 2016 11:20:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

Random answer to a random question:

What would you do if you found the employee had high blood pressure, send them home or put them in a darkened room until they relaxed?  This is not some bizarre form of health surveillance or stress management?

There is that episode of the IT crowd where Chris Morris threatens to sack anybody who exhibits signs of stress eg high blood pressure.

The main question is why?

And no, you cannot be held liable for getting the blood pressure wrong as you are not medical practitioners.

Odd…very odd

 

johnwatt  
#6 Posted : 24 November 2016 11:27:43(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
johnwatt

Send him to Boots to buy his own BP monitor and have the employee look after his own health. If he has concerns he needs to speak to his GP. 

If there are concerns that the BP is related to work then this need to be escalated to an occupational health practitioner who is competant and qualified to provide advice. 

This is absoloutly not a job for first aiders!

Ian Bell2  
#7 Posted : 24 November 2016 11:30:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

I'm as mystified as everyone else why you want to do this? Its all irrelevant anyway - has the member of staff consented to have their blood pressure taken? If not, you can't force him/her to let you take their blood pressure.

Its assault, otherwise.

What are you going to do with the information? Are you/anybody qualified to interpret the information?

David Bannister  
#8 Posted : 24 November 2016 11:34:55(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David Bannister

I suggest that if an employee needs their blood pressure to be monitored during the working day then the best person to do this is the employee. I use one at home and do not need anyone's assistance, nor did I need any special training - the instructions are very easy to understand and follow.

If the employee needs any guidance on their own medical conditions then their GP practice is best placed to supply this.

Edited by user 24 November 2016 15:22:34(UTC)  | Reason: Typo

hilary  
#9 Posted : 24 November 2016 12:54:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
hilary

We keep an automatic blood pressure cuff in my cupboard which employees are welcome to take away and use themselves.  This has proven to be very useful from time to time and is currently with an employee who has started a new medication which can increase blood pressure.  It gives him peace of mind to be able to check occasionally and I think it was a really good purchase.

Each employee is responsible for acting on their own readings.  We do not give advice except "go and see your doctor".

Invictus  
#10 Posted : 24 November 2016 14:44:24(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

What if the person is using it in work and monitoring a rise in his blood pressure wilst in work and not having it at home, could they be using it to measure stress levels.

If people feel they need blood pressure monitoriong then they should go to the dr to discuss wearing one for a week, issued by the dr and have it monitored correctly so that the dr, can look at it and ensure that they are giving the correct treatment. There are too many people self diagnosing and getting it wrong. I for one will not be recommending going down this route.

Scotty C  
#11 Posted : 24 November 2016 15:06:01(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Scotty C

Wholly agree with Invictus - this is a medical issue, not a Occ Health & Safety one. Let the medical professionals do their jobs and steer well clear.

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