Managing medication at work

Many people need to take medication at work to help them manage a medical condition. Some common conditions that may require daily medication include heart conditions, diabetes and asthma and other respiratory conditions which may need oxygen.  Most people can manage their medication needs independently, however in some circumstances assistance may be required within the workplace.

Many Australians receive medical treatment each year due to adverse reactions to medication, so it is critical that medications are managed appropriately at work. Possible reactions to medication in the workplace may be due to:

• altering medication such as taking as a whole tablet rather than in crushed or chewed form
• not taking medication at correct times during the day
• not taking medication in the recommended way, such as with food or on an empty stomach
• taking incorrect dosages of medication.   

If you are unsure of correct dosages or have general questions regarding your medication, the National Prescribing Service can be contacted on 1300 633 424 to answer any questions.

Workplace solutions and adjustments

For people who are required to take medication while at work there are a range of strategies that can assist them to manage this successfully. Some people find it difficult to remember to take their medication but there are strategies that can assist with this:

• for people having trouble remembering medication dosage instructions, provide these in written form and have it either in a clothing pocket or at the workstation
• if a person works sitting at a computer, organise reminder messages to appear on the screen at the time medications are due
• use a pill dispensing container to organise medications
• use a personal alarm system to highlight medication times such as alarm watches and pill boxes with alarms.

It is important to ensure persons, supervisors and colleagues are aware of possible side effects from medication:

• have a copy of the consumer medicine information leaflet for each medication which outlines what it is for, how to use it and also possible side effects and what to do if they occur
• if drowsiness is a possible side effect of medication, it is usually recommended that machinery or vehicles are not operated for safety reasons
• if possible side effects of medication can be serious, ensure the employer or supervisor and colleagues are aware of these so appropriate assistance can be sought if needed
• people who take medication can keep a list of medications they are taking in their purse or wallet, including possible side effects and what to do if they occur.

For some people it may be necessary to alter their work routine to accommodate the need to take medication:

• schedule break times to coincide with medicating times
• some modifications to work routine and task order may be required in order to manage some conditions and medications. For instance, people with respiratory disorders may experience fatigue if not given adequate rest times or capacity to rotate between physical and sedentary jobs.

Employers can assist their employees in making the task of taking medication easier in the workplace by assisting with:

• provision in workplace of safe, secure storage place for medication that is away from heat, damp and light as these can damage medications
• provision of a private space in which medication can be taken or administered correctly
• some medications need to be stored in a fridge and therefore an appropriate, safe and secure location would need to be identified
• sufficient workspace may need to be allocated to people requiring use of oxygen equipment for respiratory disorders.

There are also a range of products and aids that can assist with managing medication within the workplace:

• asthmatic and respiratory appliances
• diabetes appliances
• medication administering equipment—eye
• medication dosage equipment—adapted
• medication dosage guides
• oxygen units—domiciliary and portable 

References

Would you like more information?

• Personal presentation
• Self care