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Hi all We all know that hypertension has the potential to lead to CVA or MI but I am inclined to agree with the GP who could not declare the guy unfit to work. The following is my reasoning: 1. Who is to say how long he has been trotting around with hypertension? 2. If he had a CVA/MI on the job there are warning symptoms. 3. So long as the detected hypertension is being medically deal with he is fit to remain in work...but I would certainly advise that he is restricted from safety critical tasks until BP is stabilised. He should be thanking you for potentially saving him from death or disability, not kicking off about suspension. Deb Sent from Samsung Mobile <div>-------- Original message --------</div><div>From: Libby Hassanali <[log in to unmask]> </div><div>Date:09/05/2014 11:35 (GMT+00:00) </div><div>To: [log in to unmask] </div><div>Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Hypertension and FLT drivers/ machine operatives </div><div> </div>Agree with all comments! Hit nail on head re getting bad press and workers being concerned same could happen to them. I did in fact advise that 2 employees were sent home unless low risk duties were available; one GP has said he cannot say the chap is unfit for work!!! I think communication is crucial; HR and H+S need to be made aware of potential outcome in advance; a standard letter to be taken to GP may also invite a more positive reaction. Lessons to be learned as always! Thanks v much, Libby On 9 May 2014, at 10:58, "Dawn Veal" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Hi All, Just me again…. This is a bug bear of mine. I have had guys with hypertension who have been very indignant when I explain the results and suspend them form FLT etc until review by GP. Only then to have a GP say they are ok when they saw them yet I report at work and still hypertensive and told to review again and I am told it is White Coat Syndrome! I then ask them to take a potable BP and test at home and work over a 3 week period 3 times a day and the results remain according to BP UK out of ranges and yet still GP won’t help them so we end up with poor chap pulled back and forth. As this man also has poor lifestyle I have given advice ( but I know he nods and then ignores) So moral is I find GP’s not following NICE guidance and pushing them back to me. Is it just me? D From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask] Sent: 09 May 2014 09:59 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Hypertension and FLT drivers/ machine operatives Good point, however, important extra points to consider: NICE guidelines re referral as per Karen’s earlier email the proteinuria is an extra signpost to something amiss safety critical role – if he has a CVA whilst in control of the FLT and kills a co-worker – it would have been just my misfortune for it to happen on that particular day – think of two of Reason’s models of accident causation – the Swiss Cheese model and the pathogen model. I wouldn’t want to risk it – suggest no FLT or safety critical roles until he has been referred to his GP with appropriate follow up. If we do not act on the findings of health surveillance it becomes a paper exercise. Anne On 09/05/2014 09:35, "JANE COOMBS" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Hi Libby This has happened to me before and I too was concerned. However, tin hat on, this man may have had issues for years and to suddenly stop him driving and send off site will have serious implications for him and maybe for yourself in terms of reputation. It soon gets round the place and then no one turns up. Especially when, as happened in my case, the GP poo p The bp may be white coat syndrome or a result of an earlier situation. Have you tested bp following best practice guidelines using the correct size cuff. Have you used a analogue or digital sphygmomanometer? You would be medically suspending this chap and what if the blood pressure doesn't come down for weeks? Is he never allowed back? Regards Jane 07710080947 www.workingwellsolutions.com <http://www.workingwellsolutions.com> Looking after the 'elf' in health and safety. Out now Follow me on twitter Sign up for monthly newsletter on my website On 9 May 2014, at 08:49, "Libby Hassanali" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Morning all, Overweight chap, BP 225/125, protein in urine both discovered during routine health surveillance. About to start 8 hour shift; would you advise he is sent off site to get medical input? There is no official legislation re hypertension and FLT but HSE suggest being guided by DVLA group 2 guidance which says a consistent resting BP reading of 180/100 and/or side effects of meds that cause drowsiness/ dizziness should not drive. "Disqualifies from driving if resting BP consistently 180 mm Hg systolic or more and/or 100 mm Hg diastolic or more. Re/licensing may be permitted when controlled provided that treatment does not cause side effects which may interfere with driving." HSE states "More stringent activities, such as working in a particularly demanding environment, working at night, moving highly toxic or explosive materials etc, would probably be more appropriate to the Group 2 entitlement." I advised he was sent off site unless duties could be found in a safer environment; interested to know others angle on this! Thanks, Libby ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. 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