Posted By CFT
Nicholas

First thing is to have an specific RA for the individual, you then have an audit trail in place.

Make certain they are indeed signed as fit to return to work and ask the individual what they feel up to and what they don't.

The DVLA have strict guidelines in relation to patients who require a PM and whether or not they are safe to drive, this may not affect you directly but FLT's, works van and your own insurers if they are a dedicated driver/operator.

Electromagnetic interference won't actually damage the unit but it may damage the user as generally it prevents it from working so not a great idea that one!

You are right, magnets will affect the unit, or to be more specific they can, so does the operative have to wear headsets, with speakers as these have small magnets in? Arc welding if memory serves me may have an adverse effect (like everything improvements are being made all the time) Some security systems for the monitoring of theft have been proven to have an affect but it's rare; there are also recommendations how mobile phones are used,(are they issued with a company one?)

So there is a few for starters, no doubt others will offer further suggestions but above all else talk to the individual and try to do all that you can to make their return to work as simple as possible, the individual may be quite frightened so the care coming from their employer will be well appreciated. It's getting the balance right and taking that 'reasonable' approach.

They may wish the details to remain confidential so ask them what they feel about others knowing.

All the best, I feel certain they are in good hands.

CFT

Posted By nspencer
It's not the pacemaker that's the real concern here but the underlying problem that required the pacemaker in the first instance.

Electromagnetic fields in theory can interfere with the pacemaker but this is usually brief.

Driving should be avoided for 1 week for car and 6 weeks for PSV/LGV drivers

Nicola