Rank: Forum user 
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Hi all, I'm wondering if somebody can offer some advice. I recently found out that a colleague has a brain aneurysm (the colleague had one around 10 years ago but survived thankfully) and I am concerned about what level of work they should be doing. The colleague in question is an office-based worker and whilst I can give generic advice (for example, no working on the shopfloor or ideally, no going onto the shopfloor at all, limit manual handling, no work at height, reduce stress etc) I don't know if there is more specific advice they should follow (in relation to working) and whether or not, this will all come from their doctor or whether we have a responsibility as an employer to undertake a medical risk assessment? I know we can undertake a medical capability assessment, but if the doctor has not advised them not to come to work, is this necessary? I also don't want to remove a coping-mechanism for them (by coming to work, it is a way of them taking their mind off things) but at the same time, I know we have a duty of care to the employee as well. I've done some personal risk assessments before, but for relatively straight-forward issues; this is a bit beyond me and I don't want to advise something that isn't true (nor not advise something that I should).
Thoughts?
Thanks.
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Rank: Forum user 
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I would suggest a medical input in terms of the risk assessment - the employee's GP / Hospital may proved more prescriptive information and recommendations. With the employee's permission you could review his needs in conjunction with Occupational Health
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 1 user thanked rs10 for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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My experience is that GPs (with certain exceptions) are not well informed on relating health issues to a particular workplace environment. My approach would be to involve your occupational health support to arrange the involvement of an occupational physician. They are trained in relating health issues to working environment. That way you will also be properly prepared and covered.
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1 user thanked chris.packham for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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This is something for a OH medical practitioner ie a Doctor. As said most GPS don’t understand the issues surrounding the workplace but most OH providers tend to have nursing or occupational hygienist backgrounds, not the competencies of a MD.
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1 user thanked A Kurdziel for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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...if you have concerns then advice is a referral to OH for assessment based on his current work...only thing you will get or his employers will be that is either fit or fit with adjustments...this can involve review of case notes with permission. In most cases it is just down to basic health declaration for low risk work or work not defined as safety critical...but still if concerned referral to OH.
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1 user thanked stevedm for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I find it increasingly distressing that presented with a tit-bit of information there is a desire and rush to be seen to be doing something.
Has this colleague approached you directly?
Has their manager/supervisor raised a legitimate workplace concern? My family has a history of heart conditions, for me this has NOTHING to do with my employer and should our new H&S manager discover this information and approach me wanting to conduct an assessment they will be picking themselves up off the floor.
If the answer to the questions above is No then there is nothing you should or could be doing.
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2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I find it increasingly distressing that presented with a tit-bit of information there is a desire and rush to be seen to be doing something.
Has this colleague approached you directly?
Has their manager/supervisor raised a legitimate workplace concern? My family has a history of heart conditions, for me this has NOTHING to do with my employer and should our new H&S manager discover this information and approach me wanting to conduct an assessment they will be picking themselves up off the floor.
If the answer to the questions above is No then there is nothing you should or could be doing.
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2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user
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Originally Posted by: Roundtuit  I find it increasingly distressing that presented with a tit-bit of information there is a desire and rush to be seen to be doing something.
Has this colleague approached you directly?
Has their manager/supervisor raised a legitimate workplace concern? My family has a history of heart conditions, for me this has NOTHING to do with my employer and should our new H&S manager discover this information and approach me wanting to conduct an assessment they will be picking themselves up off the floor.
If the answer to the questions above is No then there is nothing you should or could be doing.
Thanks Roundtuit. I myself do have some concerns about the condition because, my understanding is, something like that could rupture at any time (please correct me if I am wrong) and the last thing I would want would be this employee walking through an area and falling through some glass because of it, or carrying something and injurying themselves further (I am sure it would be the least of their concerns, but a concern all the same). I want to both protect the employee and the business and make sure I do right by both and since I'm not medically trained, I have no idea whether the suggestions I've already made are enough or whether we need to go further.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Same could be said for anyone else in your office - even more worryingly you have no indication of their underlying and undiagnosed issues.
No one was expecting a fit international footballer such as Christian Eriksen collapsing but it happened.
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2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Same could be said for anyone else in your office - even more worryingly you have no indication of their underlying and undiagnosed issues.
No one was expecting a fit international footballer such as Christian Eriksen collapsing but it happened.
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2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Did the affected party approach you about this or is this information you have picked up.?
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Rank: Super forum user
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...being concerned about a co-worker is to be commended not shunned...prevention is what you guys are supposed to be all about....yet we still get poor unhelpful comments from IOSH Members... If they have a declared medical condition and in the assessment of a medical professional they do not need any adjustments for the work... I would however ensure that everyone knew the signs of a stroke...but you can just do this as part of a general campaign without it being directed at the employee themselves... https://www.stroke.org.uk/
Do a coffee morning or something to raise awareness or even money to donate...
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1 user thanked stevedm for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user
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yeah, that is really important
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