HS2

Option Question 1

A 46-year-old school cook developed breathing problems after working with flour in the school kitchen. The room was small with poor ventilation. Her breathing problems became so severe that she could hardly walk. She had to sleep sitting up. Her daily job included dough making in a large mixer. There were no controls for the flour dust. The cook contacted her union, which supported her with a compensation claim on the basis that decent working conditions were not provided. The council admitted that it had not taken sufficient action over the problem despite repeated complaints. The cook became severely asthmatic. She had to retire early on health grounds, and the courts eventually awarded her £200,000 in damages. But the money will not bring back her health. While she was able to move out of town, she rarely leaves the house. She faces a very restricted lifestyle. 1. Critically evaluate the root causes leading up to the event and what immediate actions might be appropriate following the event. 2. Write an additional 500 words explaining the references you have used and why.

Option Question 2

A fire-fighter who developed insulin-dependent diabetes was seen by an occupational health (‘work’) doctor to help make arrangements for him to return to work. Once the fire-fighter could show he was managing his diabetes, he was carefully tested on some key tasks (e.g. using breathing apparatus) to check he could do so safely. Blood tests confirmed his sugar levels were stable and he was no more at risk of collapsing than any other fire-fighter. 1. Critically discuss the measures that might have to be put in place with particular reference to health surveillance, the H&S policy, work task restrictions and precautionary measures to combat hyper or hypo-glycaemia. 2. Write an additional 500 words explaining the references you have used and why.