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#1 Posted : 25 April 2007 16:18:00(UTC)
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Posted By Michael McBride
Has anyone carried out a risk assessment for an employee who has type 1 diabetes. This person has not yet returned to work.
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#2 Posted : 25 April 2007 16:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mike Draper
No, but I've done one for epilepsy and I have recently found that I now have at least three individuals with diabetes (Type 1 & 2), so I'll use the same approach that I have taken in the past.

Discuss their condition with the individual concerned to establish:
Are they receiving regular treatment?
Is their medical condition controlled (i.e. stable)?
Are there any restrictions recommended by their medical practitioner?
Any other limitations or information that they wish to share.

I'll also look at risk factors from the work and the environment:
What activities are they engaged in?
What environment are they working in?
What risk factors are present that could aggravate their illness?

Finally I'll talk with the individual about any additional precautions that I think are necessary. For example, notifying our first aiders, or if they work out on client premises, advising the client of their condition. Alternatively, maybe they need access to a fridge for medication. Etc.

If they present with a well-controlled illness (i.e. their condition is stable and they receive regular medical treatment and advice) I would not attempt to suggest that they do anything different. However, I may offer additional advice on particular activities (e.g. if they travel regularly).

I would generally stay within the limits of ensuring (subject to the individual's consent) that those that may be affected by the employee's condition are made aware of it and providing any additional facilities or equipment required to assist them in managing their condition.

Unfortunately, I can't provide an example. They are personal to the individual and everyone is likely to be different.

Mike
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#3 Posted : 26 April 2007 11:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Tracey C
Hi Michael I have had the same problems lately as i write generic risk assessments for staff and felt there was something missing. So i put some questionnaires together to be completed by individuals that have diabetes, heart conditions, asthma etc then that makes it easier to complete the risk assessment for them as Mike said in his responce it is an individual thing. I actually asked the staff with the medical conditions to help me put together the questionnaire, they were a great help and very appreciative.

If you get stuck e-mail me and i will send you what i have.

Cheers
T
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#4 Posted : 28 April 2007 07:45:00(UTC)
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Posted By Shaun Brennan
HI Mike

i am a type 1 Diabetic and i work in the construction industry, the thing to do and most important of all is to find out how stable the person is, once you find out how they manage their illness you then do a normal risk assessment. also, bear in mind that there is a long list of jobs a type 1 diabetic cant do!!
some of the biggest companies in the UK discriminate against diabetics( and this being the age of equality)

if you require further information try the UK diabetes website, which is fantastic and will advise on everything you want to know.

Kind Regards

Bugsy3967
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#5 Posted : 28 April 2007 09:19:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew Joule Land
Bugsy - that is excellent advise - you beat me to the answer regarding the diabetics web site.
I have had diabetics working under my supervision and only been faced with one incident that was quickly dealt with without any embarrassment because the individuals colleges had been informed of the situation. The first aid room was supplied with dextrose and orange juice.

The incident occurred from the concerned person increasing a fitness training schedule without advice from his physician.

Personal opinion is that the most important consideration is communication - in the first instant from HR ensure that any Generic / Genetic maladies are declared - let the section leaders know and have the means to control possible situations.
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