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Alabaster  
#1 Posted : 20 December 2018 13:17:22(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Alabaster

Good Afternoon, 

I have just been informed we have an employee wishing to come back to work during chemotherapy (stomach cancer) also has a colostomy bag. Could anyone shed some light on this situation and offer any advice. We are an engineering company, his usual job role is folding & cutting (guillotine). 

I am the SHE manager, Personally, I don't think this is a great idea. obviously, he will be on light duties but my main concern is our LEV system is not sufficient (I am trying to improve this.....)  he will be based in a stainless steel workshop... 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated 

WatsonD  
#2 Posted : 20 December 2018 14:03:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD

Much of this will depend upon the type of chemotherapy and how the individual is affected. If they have yet to start chemotherapy then even they will not know how they will fare.

The big issue as to what work they can do (exposure, etc) is the depleted immune system.

Either way I would insist on a fit-to-work note from their GP

johnmurray  
#3 Posted : 20 December 2018 15:02:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
johnmurray

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/organising/work-and-cancer/information-for-employees/going-back-to-work.html

Hsquared14  
#4 Posted : 20 December 2018 16:28:37(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Hsquared14

I would fully endorse looking at the Macmillan website there is a section for employers. I'm undergoing cancer treatment myself at the moment and I can assure you that your employee will be keen to do something normal. I've hated being off work but had to because of side effects of treatment. Most of all talk to the individual, ask about the treatment, side effects and what you can do to help and support him. Please focus on what he CAN do not what he can't . Remember you have responsibilities under the Equality Act because cancer is a protected characteristic. Please pm me to my inbox for more detailed information. Finally I don't really see what your LEV has to do with whether someone is capable of working or not, if the individual's doctors are happy that he can return to work then with a few simple adjustments he should be fine.
thanks 2 users thanked Hsquared14 for this useful post.
Dave5705 on 20/12/2018(UTC), nic168 on 03/01/2019(UTC)
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