Many people need to take medication at work to help them manage a medical condition. Most people can manage their medication needs independently, however in some circumstances assistance may be required or a private location may need to be available(for example, when administering insulin injections). Some common conditions which may require daily medication include heart conditions, diabetes and asthma. Other respiratory conditions may need oxygen.
It is estimated up to 140 000 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:
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altering medication (that is, taking as a whole tablet rather than in crushed or chewed form)
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not taking medication at correct times during the day
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not taking medication in the recommended way (for example, with food or on an empty stomach)
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taking incorrect dosages of medication (too much or too little).
(Disability Online 2004, Better Health Channel 2007, National Prescribing Service 2007)
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 successful including:
Remembering to take medication:
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for people having trouble remembering medication dosage instructions (what is needed and when)—write it down and have it either in a clothing pocket or at the workstation
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if a person works sitting at a computer, organise reminder messages to appear on the screen at the time medications are due
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use a pill dispensing container to organise medications
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use a personal alarm system to highlight medication times (for example: alarm watches, pill boxes with alarms)
Ensuring individuals, supervisors and colleagues are aware of possible side effects from medication:
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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
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if drowsiness is a possible side effect of medication, it is usually recommended that machinery or vehicles are not operated for safety reasons
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if possible side effects of medication can be serious—ensure the employer or supervisor and colleagues (as appropriate) are aware of these so appropriate assistance can be sought if needed
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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.
Altering work routine:
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schedule break times to coincide with medicating times
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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.
Taking medication:
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provision in workplace of safe, secure storage place for medication that is away from heat, damp and light as these can damage medications
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provision of a private space in which medication can be taken or administered correctly
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some medications need to be stored in a fridge and therefore an appropriate, safe and secure location would need to be identified
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sufficient workspace may need to be allocated to people requiring use of oxygen equipment for respiratory disorders.
(Disability Online 2004, Better Health Channel 2007, National Prescribing Service 2007)
There are also a range of products and aids that can assist with managing medication within the workplace:
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adapted medication dosage equipment, including; a range of equipment adapted to reduce spillage of medicine, tablet cutters and crushers
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aids to assist with diabetes management including injection aids and needle guides
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eye medication administering equipment including aids to assist with independent management of eye or vision related medications
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medication dosage guides including a range of pill boxes, medication storage devices and medication reminder alarms
- products to assist with management of respiratory disorders including
- asthmatic and respiratory appliances
- oxygen units—domiciliary and portable
(Independent Living Centres Australia 2007)
References and resources
Better Health Channel 2007, Medicines—safety issues, State Government of Victoria, Victoria, viewed 17 May 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Medicines_safety_issues?open>.
Disability Online 2004, Medicines—safety issues, Victorian Government Department of Human Services Disability Services Division, Victoria, viewed 17 May 2007, < http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/dsonline/dsarticles.nsf/pages/Medicines_safety_issues?opendocument>.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia, Sydney, viewed 17 May 2007, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search.asp>.
National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) 2007, Medimate—for medicines without the mixups, Sydney, viewed 17 May 2007, <http://www.nps.org.au/site.php?content=/resources/content/cons_medimate.html>.