I'm facing the same issue with respiratory sensitiser surveillance, so I'll
be interested in response.
I think we feedback whether or not signs of hazardous exposure are
occurring, but with as much anonymity as possible.
If the employer is the holder of the COSHH record, then they need
information on each individual (fit/ not fit) to complete it. If they OH
Service keeps the record, then they need only be told what's necessary to
ensure hazard control remains/ becomes effective
Where findings from surveillance relates to a group, rather than individual
hazard, then they don't need necessarily to know the specific finding on
each individual. (e.g. if, through health surveillance of individuals, I
find indications that procedural controls are not being adequately followed,
or that ventilatory controls in an area appear not good enough, I report
that I've identified a problem in an area).
However, if though the same surveillance, I find someone sensitised &
consider they need extra individual protection to avoid symptomatic
exposure, I need to report the outcome for that individual to obtain the
necessary management action (provision to the individual of a higher spec
than standard RPE). The manager needs to know the person needs specific,
additional protection, but not the medical condition I've identified.
A bit daft really, cause the manager will be able to deduce the medical
problem. But the rules of confidentiality will have been observed.
In practice, I seek & obtain the person's agreement to tell the manager the
diagnosis: they're more likely to be sympathetic.
Dr. Alan Swann, BM, AFOM
Director of Occupational Health
Occupational Health Service
Imperial College Health Centre
Watts Way
London
SW7 1 LU
Tel: +44 (20) 7594 9385
Fax: +44 (20) 7594 9407
http://www.ad.ic.ac.uk/occ_health/
-----Original Message-----
From: Emma Ziegler [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 02 September 2002 16:56
To:
Subject: feedback audiogram results to managers
Dear List
A noisy small company is requesting individual feedback of audiogram
results carried out as part of their hearing conservation programme.
Is there a problem with feedback on an individual basis (which is done wih
other health surveillance)? If Yes, Why? and if not, what information
should be disclosed?
I'd be interested in what other list members do?
many thanks
Dr Emma ZieglerRegistrar in Occ Med, Southampton General Hospital
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