PERSONAL LEARNING ZONE

Summary:

FEATURED ARTICLE

This issue of Occupational Health [at Work] features a Personal Learning Zone (PLZ) article recommended for continuing professional development (CPD). The assignment questions, ‘Personal learning statement’ and ‘Certificate of engagement’ are available to subscribers at ohaw.co/AWPcpd. These will also be stored in your password-protected PLZ. The PLZ will help you document your own CPD. Occupational health physicians and nurses, occupational hygienists and other professionals can use the resource in support of their specialism’s revalidation or CPD requirements.

Pages 21–28. Digital eye strain Prolonged computer screen use can lead to a range of common symptoms, from eye irritation and headaches, to difficulty focusing and diplopia. Digital eye strain (DES) – sometimes known as ‘computer vision syndrome’ – affects millions of people and is specifically associated with the viewing of electronic devices. Eye problems associated with DES should be properly managed, but it is equally important that workplace and individual measures are adopted to help reduce symptoms and prevent this common problem.

ADDITIONAL CPD

The following articles, news and research items are suggested reading for CPD and professional revalidation. Subscribers can complete their online Personal Learning Zone CPD record at ohaw.co/AWPcpd

Pages 04–05 and 18-20. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is consulting on draft new guidance on handling information about workers’ health. Compared with the current ICO employment code, the draft includes significantly more guidance relevant to the provision of OH services and the confidentiality of OH records.

Pages 08–09. Draft new SEQOHS standards have been published, with the final version expected in spring 2023.

Pages 12–14. Employment tribunals are beginning to hear disability discrimination cases in relation to ‘long COVID’. Key questions include whether the substantial effects of the condition, at the time of the alleged discrimination, were likely to last at least 12 months.

Pages 33–38. Good OH practice can help prevent risks to the mental health of employees and can support those coping with mental health conditions. Practical support includes listening to and validating the employee’s emotional experiences, advising on coping strategies and where to seek help, and making recommendations to employers on creating healthy workplaces.

Pages 41–42. Our compendium of recent research includes a report from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council recommending COVID-19 as a prescribed occupational disease, and studies on suicide risk and occupation, and accelerated hepatitis B vaccination in healthcare workers.

Author: The At Work Partnership Ltd

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2022/2023 (vol. 19/4) pp43

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