Hi Everyone,

Would appreciate your views on a situation that is proving to be a little tricky.

A line manager recently noticed that one of his lifeguards was having difficulty in hearing things, after a referral and a hearing test, it turns out that this lifeguard has a severe hearing deficit and should be wearing hearing aids (this was not disclosed on their pre employment).
The HSE guidelines state that a lifeguard must have a good standard of vision and hearing.
This person does not have hearing aids, mainly because they have not been to specialist in some time and because they have not told anyone in work about their hearing difficulties.  ( this person is very young and I got the impression it was an image thing)
After further discussion with Occ Health Physician it was decided that this person was possibly not fit to carry out lifeguard duties. We have looked at redeployment and not a possibility. It has since emerged that this person is now prepared to wear her hearing aids at the pool side and she can remove them quickly in an emergency. (have not been able to find any products that will allow them to be kept in when in the pool).
We are aware that a risk assessment is necessary and that they would come under the remit of the DDA, but there are still concerns that we are risking the safety of the public, has anyone ever come across this situation before and any advice with regards this would be appreciated.

With Thanks in anticipation.

Alana Otway

Ymgynghorydd Iechyd Galwedigaethol/Occupational Health Advisor
Ffôn/Telephone:  01824 712510
Ffacs/Fax: 01824 712507
http://www.sirddinbych.gov.uk/
http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/

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