From a recent study published in the journal Cephalgia Proper migraines* increase with time spent on computers, smart phones and TV combined. (*typically one-sided headache with photophobia +/- nausea +/- visual distortion) There was no relationship between use of these devices and common headache. Work implications: Of course explore the usual workstation… read more →
Conclusion: More evidence that general health screening and PSA testing (without symptoms) are not a good use of company resources. A series of in-depth analyses from the Harding Centre for Risk Literacy* shows no overall benefit from: General health screening for those over 18 yrs – (doctor or other health… read more →
New studies show that the following work activities can significantly affect the likelihood of preterm birth: Standing/walking > 3 hrs day (small but significant effect). Lifting/carrying > 5 kg in the 3rd trimester: 24+ weeks pregnant (marginal effect). No link to shift work or long hours (but see my previous… read more →
From 1st January 2015 employers have been able to fund the costs of medical treatments recommended by a healthcare professional – free of tax to employer and employee. Only treatments “aimed at helping an employee return to work after a period of absence due to injury or ill-health” are admissible. Medical investigations –… read more →
This is a resend of the advice I gave last year: nothing has really changed in the evidence for flu jabs. Cochraine reviws are considerred to be amongst the most thorough and authorative of any critical analysis in mediciene so their review of the benefits of flu immunisation in healthy… read more →
A recently published study in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine looked at nearly 20,000 workers aged 18 to 65 and 385,000 audiograms. They found no difference in hearing categories over time between those who (said) they always or never wore hearing protection. There are many possible reasons for this including… read more →
I find that the ground rules on what constitutes a disability seem to have changed. The European Court of Justice decision on obesity as a potential disability (Dec. 2014) seems sensible: it is not the obesity which defines the disability but the functional effect. This is consistent with the wording… read more →
