Safety Talk: Chronic Illness

Safety Talk: Chronic Illness

The following Safety Talk focusses on chronic illnesses.

Many people suffer from chronic illnesses and other health-related issues. It’s important to know whether you suffer from any illness so you can be given treatment and medication to control the illness.

Chronic Illnesses

• Uncontrolled Diabetes (Sugar Diabetes)
• Asthmatics (Asthma sufferers)
• Epileptics (People who suffer from fits)
• Hyper-Tension (High Blood Pressure)
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Depression or Mental Illness (diagnostics and medication is required)

Health-Related Conditions

• Pregnant women
• Breast-Feeding Mothers
• People recovering from major operations (heart bypass, hysterectomy, etc.)
• People over the age of 55 years
• People needing crutches, one arm out of action, bandaged hands
• People taking short term medicine which can cause drowsiness (flu, gastro, etc.)

What’s at stake?

If you suffer from or have any of these conditions, your health, your life and your job are at risk.

What’s the danger?

• You can put yourself in danger (injury, coma or other medical crises).
• You can endanger others (if you are controlling machinery or equipment).
• Shift work is dangerous because your work times; sleep times and eating times can send your medical condition into high risk or even death.
• Shift work unsettles the mental sensitivities of people suffering from chronic illnesses.

How to protect yourself

1. Tell your employer if you suffer from a chronic illness.
2. Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
3. Reduce your intake of sugar, cholesterol and similar foods.
4. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit - eat less red meat.
5. Have regular check-ups with your doctor.

For more information contact Independent Fire Services.