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Zanshin67  
#1 Posted : 08 June 2011 11:18:42(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Zanshin67

Hi All

One of our employees aged 25 has had a recent diagnosis of secondary osteoporosis

This apparently puts her at a greater risk of bone fractures and breaks

The condition is being medicated and monitored gaining advice in terms of personal lifestyle, but not yet for work related practice.

However.... The person with the condition takes part in running jogging around the employers grounds (on hard ground too) outside work hours, with senior management! eg the MD

without being Mr H+S killjoy how would you approach this?

Cheers

Dave
DNW  
#2 Posted : 08 June 2011 11:25:58(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
DNW

I think I'd leave well alone. Her personal choice to go running, you can't ban someone from exercising. You have to presume she wouldn't do something to further complicate her condition.

As for liability if she were to be injured on the premises I'd say there wouldn't be any provided she doesn't injure herself as result of the companys direct negligence.
ExDeeps  
#3 Posted : 08 June 2011 11:31:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
ExDeeps

Hi,
I think you might find that jogging helps to increase bone density so actually helps to controll the problem,
jim
mikecarr  
#4 Posted : 08 June 2011 11:39:39(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
mikecarr

I agree, let her get on with it if she wants to run. it's her choice
SP900308  
#5 Posted : 08 June 2011 12:13:58(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SP900308

Interestingly, I understand Celiacs are also more susceptible to this condition (1:10).
johnmurray  
#6 Posted : 08 June 2011 12:41:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
johnmurray

Females are more prone to it than males.
People who use steroids are more prone to it.
Exercise is recommended, load-bearing exercise, for those afflicted by said condition.
H&S, interfering busy-body or not ?
Scusack  
#7 Posted : 08 June 2011 13:30:53(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Scusack

There is some good advice on the National Ostoporosis website (http://www.nos.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=183), particularly their booklet that can be found at http://www.nos.org.uk/~/document.doc?id=770

It appears that running is not an approved exercise for osteoporosis sufferers, however cycling, swimming and a degree of weight training is. At the end of the day I imagine her doctor will have advised her on what she can and can't do. Unless you are a medical practitioner I would leave her to it though.
firesafety101  
#8 Posted : 08 June 2011 14:51:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

If the employee has a disability you will treat her exactly the same as any other employee or fall foul of the Equality Act.

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