Working in an office environment can be hazardous to your health. From sitting on a chair all day to exposure to harmful chemicals, many potential health
hazards can occur in the workplace.
While some health hazards are out of your control, there are many things you can do to help prevent them. Here are seven efficient ways to prevent health hazards
at the workplace:
1. TAKE HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING
Health and safety training is an efficient way to prevent health hazards at the workplace for several reasons. First, it helps employees to be aware of potential
hazards in their work environment. This knowledge can then be used to take steps to avoid or control these hazards. Second, health and safety training provides
employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and report potential health hazards, especially those working in medical laboratories with frequent
exposure to blood, chemicals, and other pathogens. This can help to ensure that any problems are quickly addressed and corrected. Finally, health and safety
training helps to create a culture of safety in the workplace. This safety culture can encourage employees to take personal responsibility for their own health and
safety, as well as the health and safety of their coworkers.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) is playing a vital role in helping pharmacists who are dealing with stress at the workplace. It launched its new
awareness factsheet 'It's Time to Address Stress' last week.
The factsheet looks at the causes and symptoms of stress in the workplace and provides advice on ways pharmacists can access support and improve working conditions.
The association said that it recognises the well-being services offered by employers and specialist charities such as the PDA's charity partner Pharmacist Support
play an important part in helping pharmacists who may be experiencing stress.
However, the PDA is also committed to working with members to challenge employers to provide well workplaces and to help them to make real impact changes. This can
be done by addressing the causes of stress and fulfilling their responsibilities to their employees.
It added: "Under the management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers are required by law to protect employees from harm. Their legal obligations include identifying hazards and risks and implementing ways to reduce or eliminate them. The PDA's new factsheet highlights the importance of employers recognising the hazards causing stress as the health and safety issues they are."
The menopause is a natural aging process, whereby a woman's oestrogen level drops thus disrupting periods until they eventually stop.
A woman is said to be in the menopause when her periods have stopped for 12 months. The age when this usually occurs is between 45-55 but symptoms can begin prior
to this. Symptoms vary and not all women experience them all.
They include hot flushes, vaginal dryness, joint and muscle pain, insomnia, reduced libido, urinary problems such as bladder weakness or Urinary Tract Infections
(UTIs), but this list is not exhaustive.
Up to a third of women declare that the menopause affects their quality of life. It is obvious that such physical changes can have an effect on ones well-being.
Women going through the menopause are at increased risk of developing depression, low self-esteem and problems with concentration (often called brain fog).
There are lots of misconceptions in the public and workplace around menopause as it is a little discussed topic. Did you know 45 per cent of women feel their
menopause symptoms have had a negative impact on their work and 47 per cent of women have said that they won't tell their employer if they need to take a day-off
from work because of menopausal symptoms?
So, with women making up nearly half of the UKs workforce, have you thought about what support your workplace offers for you? And if you are an employer, what could
you be doing to support your colleagues who need help during this time?
The Pharmacists' Defence Association's anti-racist pharmacy toolkit was launched at the 2022 Clinical Pharmacy Congress.
The event also included a demonstration of how members could use the toolkit to work together to address inequality and discrimination in their workplace.
Elsy Gomez Campos, president of the PDA BAME Pharmacists' Network, gave an overview of issues raised by network members as well as broader professional issues
including over-representation of BAME pharmacists in fitness to practice complaints, under-representation of BAME pharmacists in leadership roles, limited access
to post-graduate education, and bullying and discrimination in the workplace.
She concluded her opening statement by reminding members of what an exemplary pharmacy profession should look like which is about "being treated fairly and being
offered the same opportunities to those that do not look like us."
Manuella Asso, organising assistant and PDA BAME Pharmacists' Network coordinator, explained that the toolkit for was representatives, members, and other pharmacists
to assess their workplaces and to help them take collective action to create an anti-racist workplace culture and environment.
Pharmacies are the lifeblood of community healthcare, being a vital pathway to care and support in every borough of the UK. There are 11,600 pharmacies across
the country, amongst which yours stands proudly. Pharmacies obviously have a duty of care to their patients and customers, and rigorous safety practices surrounding
the safe storage and dispensation of medicine - but that duty of care also extends to fellow staff.
This is to say that health and safety is a paramount concern for any pharmacy or pharmacist, and that great care should always be taken to uphold the highest
possible standards with regard to health and safety. With this in mind, what follows is a refresher on some of the key hazards that could give way to workplace
injury in your pharmacy - and how to mitigate the risk of injury.
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards are ever-present, and prescient in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. Though the COVID-19 virus was eventually shown not to be
particularly resilient on surfaces, good practice was still to regularly disinfect surfaces and handles where possible - something which should still be a part of
regular routine in your pharmacy. Likewise, face masks are a solid way to reduce the risk of infection or contamination, particularly where the handing over of
biological samples is concerned.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a new campaign to help parents and carers in pharmacy get the support they need in the workplace as part of
its inclusion and diversity work.
"A lack of flexibility in employment can mean work life balance is hard to keep, ramping up the pressure even more," said RPS.
The society wants to lift some of the burdens on parents and carers and challenge barriers to inclusion in the workplace.
It'll challenge negative attitudes to parents and carers through a brand new guide to the microaggressions you experience in the workplace. Drop in ABCD meeting at
7pm on 05 October to contribute your ideas.
It wants pharmacists to be able to choose flexible working whenever they need it. Join RPS's livestream across all its social media channels at 6.30pm on Weds 26
October to hear from two pharmacists about how to make it happen!
Pharmacist Support, a charity centred on bolstering pharmacist well-being, has launched a new course to help pharmacy professionals to foster a positive and
supportive workplace culture.
The 'Embracing a workplace Wellbeing Culture' course is specially designed for pharmacy managers and leaders, and aims to address the unique challenges faced by
them in cultivating a healthy environment for their teams.
During the course, they will be empowered with practical strategies that can be implemented immediately, which can contribute to improved team wellbeing and
performance.
Workforce Wellbeing surveys conducted by the firm with the RPS have shown that the pressures on the pharmacy workforce continue to negatively impact on mental
health and wellbeing, Pharmacist Support Chief Executive, Danielle Hunt said.
A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice sheds light on the detrimental effects of obesity on workplace absenteeism and economic
productivity.
The analysis, encompassing data from millions of workers across Europe, reveals a direct correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the likelihood of taking sick
leave.
According to the study, obese individuals are up to twice as likely to take time off work due to health issues compared to those of a healthy weight.
The increased sick notes among obese individuals is attributed to various complications associated with obesity, including joint pain, diabetes, depression, and
heart disease.
In the United Kingdom, where obesity rates are among the highest in Europe, the impact of obesity on workplace absenteeism is particularly pronounced.
The government has previously committed to introducing several new family-friendly rights following numerous consultations over the last few years.
These include: neonatal leave and pay; carer's leave; and extending redundancy protection for pregnant women and new parents.
The government confirmed it would implement these reforms in the long-awaited Employment Bill, first announced in the Queen's speech back in 2019.
However, the Employment Bill was not referred to in the Queen's speeches in both May 2021 and May 2022 therefore it remains unclear when these reforms will be
prioritised.
Nevertheless, at this stage, it is helpful for pharmacy business owners and managers to have an understanding of the direction of travel when it comes to family
friendly rights in the workplace.
The Fitness-to-Practise Committee of the General Pharmaceutical Council has issued a three-month suspension to Mohammed Roohul Haque (Reg No: 2226084), a
locum pharmacist, due to incidents of workplace sexual misconduct.
According to the determination document issued by the regulatory body, Haque undertook the position of a locum pharmacist at Hollowood Chemists on July 12. It was
during this period that he encountered the dispenser (referred to as the "complainant"), a 40-year-old co-worker at the pharmacy, for the first instance. Following
this initial meeting, he proceeded to engage in making explicit sexual comments.
During the lunch break of the pharmacy's second dispenser, Haque asked the dispenser, who had lodged the complaint, to review photographs displayed on his mobile
phone, depicting renovations being carried out at his residence. The initial images focused on the ongoing renovation activities. However, he later switched to
displaying a full-screen photograph of his erect penis, the document said.
Despite the fact that the dispenser promptly distanced herself, Haque persisted in discussing the photograph with her. He went so far as to apologise, and even
asked if she had managed to closely observe the picture.
Pharmacist Support, a charity centred on bolstering pharmacist well-being, has launched the 'ACTNow' campaign 2023, aimed at promoting and supporting the
health and overall wellbeing of pharmacists. This campaign is launched following the successful 2022 initiative, which heightened awareness about wellbeing in
the pharmacy profession.
Launched in May 2020 in response to COVID-19 challenges, ACTNow has transformed into a dynamic platform fostering positive workplace culture, teamwork, and
individual well-being, Pharmacist Support has said. Its primary goals are to inspire individuals and teams in the profession to prioritise their well-being,
support colleagues, and proactively foster a healthier work environment.
Pharmacist Support emphasised that the 2023 ACTNow campaign will continue to prioritise fostering a positive workplace culture. "This year, the campaign will
provide individuals, pharmacy teams, and employers with essential tools, resources, and strategies to effectively support colleagues dealing with distress,
all while cultivating a growth-oriented mindset within their teams," the charity firm said.
The country as a whole is facing uncertain and challenging times, and for our profession emerging from the second year of the pandemic, the pressures and
stresses don't look to be easing up. It is undeniable that the wellbeing of those in our pharmacy family has suffered and many face emotional and psychological
challenges in addition to immense workplace pressure.
What do we know about the state of wellbeing within the profession? As the profession's independent charity, it is crucial that Pharmacist Support keeps abreast of
the changing needs of the profession to enable us to meet the needs of those we are here to help. To do this, each year we collaborate with the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society (RPS) to carry out an annual Workforce Wellbeing Survey.
The last survey carried out was in the latter part of 2021 but nothing has changed since. And the results provided stark reading. Of the 1,014 responses received,
many reported living with 'poor' or 'very poor' mental health and wellbeing.
The survey results highlight a continued clear need for mental health and wellbeing support. Within the survey, it was identified that there is a very clear need for
independent assistance, with many saying they feel unable to talk to their employers about their mental health issues. The need for our charity has never been clearer.
A recent UNISON survey has unearthed disturbing findings regarding the prevalence of sexual harassment among NHS staff across the UK. With data collected from
over 12,000 healthcare workers, the survey sheds light on the challenges faced by frontline workers in their workplace environments.
Approximately 10 per cent of healthcare professionals reported instances of sexual harassment during their tenure, with nearly 29 per cent of those experiencing
harassment also reporting incidents of sexual assault.
Shockingly, 50 per cent of respondents reported being leered at or subjected to suggestive gestures, while a quarter faced unwelcome sexual advances or demands
for favors.
The most common complaint, voiced by 61 per cent of those affected, was the experience of unwanted crude banter or jokes in the workplace.
Pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb has become the first pharmaceutical company in the UK to be accredited as a 'menopause friendly workplace'.
The accreditation, awarded by an independent panel of judges, recognises employers who put diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at the centre stage of their business.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) said it rung in the changes in recognition of the fact that nearly eight of 10 menopausal women are in work and that this is the fastest
growing demographic in the workforce.
Panel members described BMS UK&I's application as "outstanding" and acknowledged "the huge strides they have made to help normalise the menopause" by fostering an
inclusive culture.
It's no secret that the world of work can be dangerous. Every day, workers are injured on the job, and in some cases, these injuries can be quite serious. If
you're unfortunate enough to find yourself in this situation, it's important to know what steps to take to get the medical care you need.
There are several ways to get proper medical aid if you're injured at work, and each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
HEALTH INSURANCE
If your employer offers health insurance, this will likely be your first port of call when seeking medical care after a workplace injury. The main benefit of using
your employer's insurance is that it will usually cover the majority of your medical expenses.
However, there are some drawbacks to this option. First, your employer's insurance may only cover treatment from specific doctors or hospitals. This can make it
difficult to get the care you need on time. Second, your employer's insurance may not cover all of the costs associated with your injury, leaving you with a hefty
bill.
Very often, workers consider obtaining private insurance, especially if they're working as ex-pats or freelancers. It is good to note that in these cases, private
insurance would then be used in combination with their employer's insurance, giving them a greater degree of coverage. However, even if you're only insuring yourself,
this insurance can be beneficial because you'll be able to choose your doctor, and you may have a greater range of coverage.
A pharmacy assistant has been jailed for three years and seven months for stealing £330,000 worth of diabetes-testing kits from his workplace.
Abdul Nargoliya stole the products while working as a pharmacy assistant at a Lloydspharmacy counter inside a Sainsbury's supermarket in Fosse Park, Leicester
where we was employed since 2012.
The 30-year-old from Woodboy Street in Leicester was sentenced on Friday (May 26) after pleading guilty at Leicester Crown Court "to theft by an employee and
concealing, transferring, converting criminal property".
According to police an internal investigation launched at the pharmacy branch in July 2018 revealed that more than 22,000 test kits had been ordered since January
2017.
Leicester Police said they identified Nargoliya as a suspect due to the time of the orders being placed matching up to his shift patterns. They arrested him in July
2018.
Orders for the products were placed by telephone and CCTV footage showed Nargoliya handling them.
It was noticed that during his shifts, the defendant would move the deliveries into a private consultation room and later leave with full carrier bags.
To support the mental health and wellbeing of pharmacists, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is running its fourth annual Workforce Wellbeing survey, in
partnership with Pharmacist Support.
This year it's focussed on exploring some of the obstacles that prevent workforce wellbeing measures being implemented in practice.
It's vital that workplace supports good mental health and wellbeing and provides the right environment to help prevent the negative effects of working under intense
pressure.
RPS urges: "Please complete the survey as soon as you can. It's anonymous, open to pharmacists in all settings including students and you don't need to be a member
of RPS to take part."
"We'll take the results of the survey to governments across Great Britain, the NHS, and wider stakeholders to advocate for improvements to support the mental health
and wellbeing of pharmacists."
Pharmacists from BAME backgrounds still face higher levels of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and career obstacles compared to their white
counterparts, the Pharmacy Workforce Race Equality Standard (PWRES) report has revealed. Published by NHSE England, this report underscores the persistent
presence of inequality, emphasising the crucial need for all stakeholders in the pharmacy sector to prioritise addressing these issues.
The PWRES report indicates that pharmacy team members of Black ethnic backgrounds are less likely to perceive equal opportunities for career advancement or
promotion within their trust. Additionally, female pharmacy team members from BAME backgrounds report higher incidents of personal discrimination in the
workplace. The report also highlights an overrepresentation of pharmacy technicians from BAME backgrounds in lower-paid roles.
"It is shocking and unacceptable to see that across all indicators the BME staff experience is worse than their white counterparts," said Tase Oputu, Chair
of RPS in England.
The Professional Pharmacists Association (PDA) has demanded efforts to secure greater support and recognition for community pharmacists from governmental
bodies.
In its written evidence provided to the Health and Social Care select committee's pharmacy inquiry, the PDA raised concerns about the well-being of pharmacists,
specifically for those who belong to minority ethnic groups and race and are subjected to bullying, harassment, and ill-treatment.
The association highlighted issues in the workplace that impact pharmacists' health and well-being, including chronic understaffing, sub-standard working
environments, an absence of protected training time, and experiences of racism, violence, and abuse.
Parallel to the PDA's advocacy, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is intensifying calls for prioritising workforce wellbeing within the pharmacy domain.
Stressing the pivotal role of workforce retention in addressing current challenges, RPS emphasises the need for robust support mechanisms and equitable access
to mental health services.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has released findings from its fifth annual workforce wellbeing survey, which was conducted in collaboration with the
profession's charity, Pharmacist Support.
Exposing the mental health challenges faced by pharmacists, the survey revealed a troubling statistic: 86 per cent of pharmacists are at a high risk of burnout.
Inadequate staffing was the main factor contributing to burnout, followed by lack of work-life balance, insufficient protected learning time, absence of colleague
or senior support, and long working hours.
While pharmacies are encouraged to provide more clinical services, more than 60 per cent of pharmacists surveyed reported that they were not being offered
"sufficient protected learning time" to focus on their professional development and learning needs.
The survey also exposed a distressing trend of workplace abuse, with over 40 per cent of pharmacists reporting verbal abuse from the public, and 25 per cent
from colleagues or managers.