29 tips about MS you might not know

Multiple Sclerosis – 29 Tips You Might Not Know About MS

29 tips about MS you might not know

A friend of mine Mags Green whom I frequently call super woman, wrote this information for MS Readathon  run by Multiple Sclerosis Ireland Unfortunately she has first hand experience and is living with MS and by god she lives. Having 2 young fabulous children, a wonderful supporting husband and 2 Irish wolf hound which carry you away while walking them, juggling a career while doing an PHD, the best cake maker I know, is just a small part of her every day life. So here are some MS Facts from Mags Green to help us understand just a fraction of what it is like living with MS

She shared random facts about MS that you may or may not know…Hope you find this informative.

MS TipsMS Fact #1

Multiple Sclerosis is much more prevalent in women than men! (lucky us!!)

MS TipsMS Fact #2

Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong condition.. there is no cure.. most of us take medications of some description but it doesn’t make you better. MS affects your brain and spine (your central nervous system) and does all sorts nasty things. Sometimes I have numbness, sometimes tingling, sometimes an MS hug (not as nice as it sounds), sometimes I can’t walk properly, sometimes I’m in extreme pain and sometimes my left eye doesn’t work.. to name but a few of the afflictions it can cause. This condition brings with it a myriad of symptoms and you never know what you’re going to get on any given day!!

MS TipsMS Fact #3

Fatigue is a big challenge for those of us with Multiple Sclerosis. It is a symptom that can make even the simplest task impossible. I read a good description of it the other day from a gentleman called David Bexfield “Few people understand how MS fatigue can be utterly pancaking. Imagine pulling an all-nighter, make that three of them in a row, and then running a marathon. Backwards. On stilts. While juggling chainsaws.”
With fatigue it’s not like normal tiredness.. you can’t go to bed and sleep and feel okay again. With fatigue you never feel rested, lifting your head off the pillow takes effort, getting dressed seems insurmountable, reading, showering, eating, moving just all seems too much… and I get brain fog along with my fatigue but that is a story for another day!!

MS TipsMS Fact #4

So yesterday I mentioned brain fog… Brain fog is more than just the occasional forgetfulness that most people suffer from. It is a cognitive impairment that can affect conversation, short-term memory, and the ability to concentrate and focus.. it can also impact critical thinking and word finding. It’s not the nicest symptom. Brain fog is very common in people with Multiple Sclerosis. It’s a frustrating affliction and when it happens to me my concentration is well and truly shot. I stopped speaking at conferences when it happened me the first time and I stopped giving face to face summer courses because of it as I was so worried I would forget words that I needed to present the material. It really impacts confidence… and when I had it first time around I didn’t think that I would ever be able to continue studying.
Luckily for me it comes and goes and although I still get bad days (usually when I’m stressed or tired) I can still study most of the time.

MS TipsMS Fact #5

MS is a lifelong condition but people don’t usually die from it (usually being the important word here!) … experts say that a person with MS generally lives 7 years less than the average lifespan. When I was diagnosed several people asked me ‘how long do you have left?’… so yeah it’s really important not to ask someone with MS that question!!
I remember a doctor telling me that it’s more likely that I’ll die from heart disease or some form of cancer than from MS… so that’s erm… heartening!!! ..

MS TipsMS Fact #6

Lots of Multiple Sclerosis symptoms are invisible, so you can’t tell by looking at someone if they have MS, or what they’re going through.
At any given time I have a headache, pain, pins and needles or numbness or a loss of balance and general clumsiness (which sometimes makes people think I’m drunk!). I might sit there chatting to you like I’m grand but you don’t know what is going on under the surface.

MS TipsMS Fact #7

There’s no such thing as a “typical” symptom of Multiple Sclerosis because each person experiences the disease differently. The same symptoms may come and go frequently, or you may regain a lost function, such as bladder control. The unpredictable pattern of symptoms has to do with which nerves your immune system attacks at any given time.
You never know what you’re gonna get! Sometimes you wake up with a bad leg or a hand that forgets how to work or a dodgy eye.. and everybody is different!

MS TipsMS Fact #8

Stress can make symptoms worse when those with Multiple Sclerosis experience high levels of physical or emotional stress.  As we know stress really impacts us in many areas and MS is no different. Stress is my big trigger for symptoms and flares…  so I try very hard to avoid it if I can…  and when people bring it to my door I’m getting better at saying ‘get lost!’

MS TipsMS Fact #9

There are several different types of Multiple Sclerosis .. I have RRMS …
Relapse-Remitting (RRMS): alternates between relapse and nearly full recovery.
Primary Progressive (PPMS): steadily progresses from onset.
Secondary Progressive (SPMS): initially RRMS, progresses to a steady worsening.
Progressive-Relapsing (PRMS): progressive from onset, with clear acute relapses.
There are lots of different things that people do to ‘control’ MS, some swear by diet, some swear by the many different types of medications and some people choose not to do anything different. Everybody has their own way of dealing with it and that has to be respected as everyone is different.
I try to be careful with my diet – nothing too hectic, I just try to eat healthily and drink green juices (but I do lapse from time to time for long periods of time and I really feel the difference when I do!). I go to acupuncture regularly which I find makes a big difference to me, when I was first diagnosed acupuncture was the only thing that gave me any form of relief. I definitely feel better after acupuncture and it helps me in a variety of different ways – it must be good if someone like me who is terrified of needles willingly goes to it!! I am also on medication, I get injections (more needles) three times each week. I don’t think that there is any one right answer for the treatment of MS … I just think that everyone needs to do what they feel is best for them. A good consultant is really important too – my consultant is wonderful and really helped me to ease into my diagnosis gently!

MS TipsMS Fact #10

Multiple Sclerosis can cause eye problems.
A problem with vision is one of the most common symptoms of MS, and often one of the first that people with MS notice. The symptoms can include blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), optic neuritis, involuntary rapid eye movement and occasionally, a total loss of sight.
Over the last 5-6 days my eyes have been giving me a little bit of trouble. My left eye is particularly poorly behaved at the moment! Today I thought they were getting a little better but then this afternoon I had a dimming of colour and more blurring… it’s not the most pleasant experience! Thankfully this doesn’t happen to me typically and generally only when I am under lots of stress.

MS TipsMS Fact #11

Research has shown a link between vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis. The nutrient can act as a protector against MS, and it may lead to fewer relapses in people who already have the disease. I take lots of vitamin D.

MS TipsMS Fact #12

In Multiple Sclerosis, a person’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing inflammation that damages myelin, the fatty coating that insulates and protects nerve fibres… when this happens it’s called a relapse and there is no cure.. they can give you steroids but I prefer to avoid those when I can!
Think of a wire with damaged insulation!  So realistically the only thing that is tough enough to kick my ass is my own immune system!

MS TipsMS Fact #13

I told you about the myelin sheath and that it gets damaged if you have Multiple Sclerosis … the sites where the myelin is lost appear as scars. This is why multiple sclerosis means many scars! The appear on the MRI scan as little white marks.. this can happen completely unbeknownst to you even with no symptoms!

MS TipsMS Fact #14

Multiple Sclerosis is life changing in many ways .. but you can live a very happy and whole life with MS.
This is a really important fact for anyone facing a new diagnosis. I thought my life was over when I was diagnosed.. but now I know it’s far from over

MS TipsMS Fact #15

Two-thirds of people living with Multiple Sclerosis remain able to walk, though many will need an aid, such as a cane or crutches, and some will use a scooter or wheelchair because of fatigue, weakness, balance problems, or to help conserve energy.
Quite early on in my diagnosis someone said to me that they had watched a show about life from the perspective of a wheelchair user and it made them think of me… I guess it’s just important to be aware that MS impacts people in different ways and to be careful about what you say.

MS TipsMS Fact #16

Trigeminal neuralgia, sometimes called tic douloureux, is a type of nerve (neuropathic) pain in the side of the face and can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis.
I get this and it’s incredibly painful. The first few times that it happened to me I was terrified. For me it shoots down from just above my ear and goes the whole way down my jaw – it’s an intense stabbing pain. It can last for a few seconds, a few minutes or an hour.

MS TipsMS Fact #17

The MS hug, also known as banding or girdling, is a symptom of multiple sclerosis in which someone feels as if they have chest pain, rib pain or a tight uncomfortable band around their chest. It can be felt anywhere between the neck and the waist and may feel so tight around the chest that it’s painful to breathe.

MS TipsMS Fact #18

It’s a late one tonight … and it’s a personal one .. note to self .. when you have MS and are currently experiencing an exacerbation it’s not a good idea to stay up really late working on an assignment when you are wrecked tired because it will leave you shattered for the next three days … ..so all those symptoms I’ve described over the last number of days get worse when I’m tired so I tend not to stay up late … but a deadline was calling!! you live and learn!

MS TipsMS Fact #19

Unfortunately, more than half of people with Multiple Sclerosis experience difficulty sleeping. Inadequate sleep leads to fatigue, the most common and one of the most debilitating symptoms of MS. It also causes daytime drowsiness and lack of mental clarity.

MS TipsMS Fact #20

If you have Multiple Sclerosis you get a neurologist.. I have a lovely Neuro and he really puts me at ease every time I see him. For me seeing neurologist means getting a battery of tests once a year to see if everything is working as it should be .. it involves checking my eyes, my strength, my balance, my reflexes and what I like to call the scratchy foot test. He usually orders an MRI and sometimes an extra test involving lots of wires stuck all over my head to make sure my eyes are working properly.

MS TipsMS Fact #21

Episodes of remission for those of us with Multiple Sclerosis can last weeks or can last years sometimes. There’s no way of knowing, so it’s really important to embrace good health when it comes

MS TipsMS Fact #22

MS can impact your memory (for me especially when I’m tired)

MS TipsMS Fact #23

Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t impact your ability to have children. You can go through a period of remission when you are pregnant but are more susceptible to a relapse during the 6 months after birth. This is the final week of the MS Readathon. I would really appreciate any donations you can make this week please, then I’ll stop torturing you.. I promise

MS TipsMS Fact #24

Whilst legal protections are in place, discrimination still happens in the workplace and worry of discrimination is often the main reason people resolve to deal with their MS without seeking support from their employer. Many people with MS can continue to work and stay in paid employment for many, many years after diagnosis.. we are all different and MS progresses differently for all of us .. being in a supportive work environment can make a big difference to people with MS… and to people without MS! Being kind doesn’t cost a thing

MS TipsMS Fact #25

This is a new fact for me too!
The most common cause of breathing problems in MS is the loss of muscle strength in the chest and abdomen. Muscle weakness is a common MS symptom, and the muscles you use to breath are just as prone to weakness as those in your arms or legs.

MS TipsMS Fact #26

This one upsets me a lot –  Children can get MS – it’s called paediatric MS, it shares its roots with adult MS but differs in several notable ways. Kids typically have RRMS and only exhibit symptoms during periods of flare (unfortunately these are more frequent in children than adults), outside of this they display minimal neurological symptoms. Because symptoms start when they are still children, studies show that they ultimately reach disability at a younger age than someone with the adult version of the disease. This type of MS is most common in teens, just 1% of people develop MS before the age of 10.

MS TipsMS Fact #27

MS can impact your speech. Neurologically speaking, dysarthria refers to speech abnormalities caused by nerve damage to areas commonly in charge of vocalizing. Selma Blair has been very open about her journey with MS and has raised some awareness around dysarthria.

MS TipsMS Fact #28

Studies have suggested that up to eight out of ten people with MS experience bladder accidents at some time.

MS TipsMS FACT #29

MS can impact hearing. The fluttering and ringing in your ears can be really distracting and the decrease in volume can be a little bit annoying too!

There are so many people that wear that invisible super hero cloak as they go through so much in their own private life and yet still gives, helps and enjoy life to the full and this is why I frequently call Mags Super Women.

Thanks for your insights Mags.

Deborah

GROW Training Survey results

Workplace Survey Results

GROW Training Survey resultsRecently we surveyed our customers to see how happy they were working from home and how their workplace was set up for them to carry out their work each day. We also asked what challenges they were facing. The results were not surprising and more or less the same problems we face ourselves!
Several people reported that their actual workspace was not suitable, with the main problem being incorrect desk, chair and computer screen. We have a service where we can carry out an assessment of the facilities and report back to you with our recommendations. This has proved very popular as we all know – Working from home is here to stay!

First lets look at why we conducted the survey –

At GROW Training, we help our clients establish a risk-free working environment. We asked a range of clients and people working from how a few simple questions to find out what their workspace is like and to see does it meet requirements as set out in
• Visual Display Unit (VDU) or Display Screen Assessments (DSE) Assessments are required under the 2007 General Application Regulations. Read more HERE
• VDU / DSE Assessments must be undertaken on all computer workstations where an employee will spend longer than 1 continuous hour per day on average or are basically habitual users of VDU / DSE equipment.

GROW Training provides a VDU / DSE Assessment service to assess the ergonomic suitability of the workstation, work equipment and surrounding environment and its compliance with the 2007 General Application Regulations. The VDU / DSE User should be put first as every person is different and different adjustments may be required at each workstation due to the comfort and preferences of each user.

Here are the results of our workplace questionnaire –

Question 1 – Have you had a Workplace review of your workstation at home?

GrowTraining survey results Q1

 

A Workstation review is recommended by HSA but it was upsetting to learn that 85.7% of respondents have not had any review. This concerned us and the results of this were shown in the fact that so many people are having problems with the Chair and Desk they are working from every day.

 

Question 2 – How happy are you with your Home Workplace?

GrowTraining survey results Q2
The majority of people are happy working from home with 57% Very happy with the current arrangement and less that 20% unhappy with the arrangement.

 

 

Question 3 – How do you rate the workspace when using the following –

Room                    Majority are happy with the room they work from 95%
Screen                   Majority are very happy with screen and just 5% unhappy
Keyboard              75% of people are very happy with their keyboard
Chair                     The replies were spread quite equally, 40% said Ok but needs improving
Desk                      Replies are spread with the majority Very happy but 50% needs improving
Lighting                Majority happy with Lighting.

Question 4 – What improvements are needed in your workspace?

GrowTraining survey results Q4The most common comment was about the Desk with 25% of respondents commenting on this item, many are working from desks that are too small. The Chair was the next item with 20% of people having issues with the chair they are sitting on. People are using kitchen chairs or stools which are not ergonomically correct. Lighting, screen size and the size of the actual room they are working in was an issue for 10% of people. 35% of people were happy with their environment.

Question 5 – Would you rather be back in your company’s office?

GrowTraining survey results Q5

It is very clear that the majority of people would like to continue to work from home with 62% stating that they would like to continue with the current arrangement.
•14.3% – Yes, Totally
•23.8% – I’m not sure,
•61.9% – No, I really like working from home

 

Question 6 – What is the Best or Worst thing about working from home?

GrowTraining survey results Q6

– The Best things included
•Flexibility.
•No Commute some saving 3-4 hours a day.
•Peace and quite and lack of distraction in the workplace.
•Convince
•The ability to do day to day tasks during 9-5

 

GrowTraining survey results Q6B– The Worst things included
• Isolation (45%)
• Lack of human interaction (45%)
• Work day bleeding into personal time
• No switching off
• Kids difficult and a distraction

 

Huge Thank You to everyone who responded to our survey. Your answers have helped us so much. We hope you found the results interesting. If you would like us to provide an Assessment of your Teams workspace please contact Deborah at info@growtraining.ie

Check out al our courses on growtraining.ie

Grow Training Newsletter May 2021

Grow Training Newsletter May 2021

Grow Training Newsletter May 2021This month in our Grow Training Newsletter we are featuring the challenges of working from home. As working from home is now the new norm and with the country slowly reopening and people transitioning back to the workplace. We are finding that people are now looking to stay working from home. It was reported in the Irish examiner back in Feb 2021 “that at least two in five Irish workers are in no mind to return to an office after the Covid-19 pandemic ends, while half want at least some form of remote working in the future”.

With a home-office setup they can be less than ideal with poor work-space, with the kitchen chair, the desk that’s too tall or small and the cramped laptop keyboard, have all become literally a pain in the neck oh.. yeah and shoulders and back and elsewhere.
Employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of all workers and that includes working remotely from home.
Therefore working remotely requires management and coordination to ensure employees are not put at risk and adequately protected from longer-term health and safety hazards or other issues that can emerge. Employers need to now look closer at how
best to prepare for remote working to support the wellbeing of employees.

Employees who spend longer than 1 hour at a computer screen, a VDU / DSE Assessment must be performed on all computer workstations. To stay compliant with the 2007 General Application Regulations the assessment looks at the ergonomic suitability of
the workstation, work equipment and surrounding environment. Experts agree that an ergonomic workstation, one that supports your body in a neutral position can reduce the risk of discomfort or pain caused to our bodies. This means: Your neck isn’t bent down or up and your back is in an upright position, your arms aren’t lifted or extended out, your wrists and hands aren’t bent up, and your spine isn’t twisted. The workstation fits the worker, not the other way around and a ergonomic workstation will help you sit comfortably at a computer for even long periods of time. But its very important you should still remember to take breaks and move every hour at least.

Give us a call for more details At Grow Training. We continue to work with you to ensure a safe and compliant return or in most cases continued work for you and your staff. As always, we are committed to providing you with excellent service and if you need any help, support or refresher courses contact us on info@growtraining.ie or 0834014242.

Grow Training Learning Disability Awareness

 

Virtual Academy

Grow Training Newsletter FEATURED COURSE

– LEARNING DISABILITY AWARENESS –

G R O W  S M A R T E R – G R O W  F A S T E R

NEW  MONTHLY  PROMOTION  COURSE  PRICE  €2 5.0 0

CODE  #MAYFB

 

CPD Approved

Course Description – Learning disabilities, however they are acquired, are lifelong. They are neurological disabilities and as such affect how an individual understands and remembers information, how they learn and communicate. People can be born with learning disabilities or they may acquire them later in life. There are many differing types of learning difficulty and they can exhibit in many different ways and with many different characteristics.
This course will start by giving you an overview of some of the common types and causes of learning disabilities and how they affect people. It will touch on how a person centred approach to care will get the best results and look at how management must perform, and at the needs of the individual. It will also discuss overcoming the stigma attached to learning disabilities and much more.  To book click HERE

Target Audience – a very wide audience as it applies to a wide range of people who work with both children and adults whether its teaching, training or working with children.

Advantages – CPD approval means that this course can be used by those that need to prove they are continually developing themselves. Online training is flexible, efficient and cost effective meaning the candidate can progress through the modules at their own pace and in their own time, so they can fit the training in around their work and personal life.

Further Progression – Other courses that you might benefit from and would be a great next step are: Introduction to Early Years Foundation Stage leading into child care and Introduction to Emotional Intelligence aimed at supervisors and managers that want to develop more effective relationships with members of their teams.

To Book the Grow Training Newsletter Course click HERE

“GROW YOUR SKILLS, GROW
YOUR POTENTIAL, GROW YOU!”

Grow Training Learning Disability Awareness

 

Thanks to Rock Digital

Workplace Assessment by GROW Training

What is Workplace Assessment and why its required?

GROW Training Workplace Assessment Pic

At GROW Training, we help our clients establish a risk-free working environment.  Our expert accessors identify and advise on suitable duties while implementing preventive actions to solve common problems helping prevent injury and reducing operational costs.

A workplace risk assessment is a specialised service aimed at observing, evaluating and reporting on the physical, environmental and ergonomic requirements of your employee’s duties. During a session, using our Workplace Risk Assessment Template a wide range of data about the participant is collected and analysed to develop an idea about their wellbeing and overall health.

Why do you need a workplace assessment –

• Visual Display Unit (VDU) or Display Screen Assessments (DSE) Assessments are required under the 2007 General Application Regulations.
• VDU / DSE Assessments must be undertaken on all computer workstations where an employee will spend longer than 1 continuous hour per day on average or are basically habitual users of VDU / DSE equipment.
• The purpose of the VDU / DSE Assessment is to assess the ergonomic suitability of the workstation, work equipment and surrounding environment and its compliance with the 2007 General Application Regulations.
• The VDU / DSE User should be put first as every person is different and different adjustments may be required at each workstation due to the comfort and preferences of each user.

Full requirements and a Q&A from the HSA HERE

Conducting a workplace assessment

These are normally conducted on an entire workplace, however with Covid restrictions we access individual workplaces in the home. All employees, regardless of the industry, are prone to some level of work-related risks. Minor injuries can include back pains, strain injuries, stress and migraines. To improve workplace productivity, workplace wellness assessments are conducted and discussions with clients are held to determine if any persistent problems exist.
The sessions are currently taking place over zoom. Mostly it takes from 30 minutes. After an assessment, complete assessment reports are prepared, and you are issued recommendations to improve organisational health.

Benefits of a workplace assessment

All businesses are now required by law to ensure that all employees are assessed. However, the main aim is to create a workplace environment that does not interfere with employee performance.

A healthier and happier workforce Currently many employees are work from home with makeshift desks and chairs ect. our assessment can help ascertain the most suitable environment for them to be carrying out their daily duties. Through the evaluation, management can appropriately equip the work area for these employees, especially workers with disabilities.

Minimise workplace risks

A comprehensive workplace assessment will reduce the problems that predispose workers to injuries. This is achieved through the identification of the causal factors and the implementation of the appropriate prevention measures.
Eliminating persistent issues in situations where an organisation is faced with a persistent problem, an assessment can help discover the root cause. Signs of a problem include employee complaints and lack of motivation. A thorough workplace assessment can go a step further and eliminate problems before developing into a major concern.

We can Help you

To contact GROW Training to discuss how we can carry out Workplace Assessments for your company call Deborah on 083 401 4242 or email info@growtraining.ie

Full Contact information here

Thanks to Rock Digital

“REMOTE WORKING, THE OFFICE AT HOME!”

Health & Safety in the Home Workplace

Due to Covid 19 we are find ourselves working remotely / working from home more, and I am sure you may agree that this is a balancing act of another level.  We must be so aware of Health and Safety in the Home Workplace. What is fascinating is how aware we are when we are at home of keeping our surroundings in order and safe.

We are juggling multiple tasks such as watching the children and amusing them while trying to work, or remembering to take proper breaks, keeping up with all the housework (which tends to be getting bigger than usual the more we stay at home) and remembering to eat and shower and dress in normal clothes and not our lounge wear on top of getting the equivalent of an 8 hour work day in. Our days may appear longer or shorter working from home.

Setting up a work space can have its challenges

Such as finding a quiet space, ensuring the WIFI is strong and that you have a nice table and comfortable chair to work. You want to ensure your zoom calls don’t freeze or the children or family pets don’t come in on an important meeting! I’m sure this has happened to the majority of us working from home. For some of us, we tend to work where there is light and easy access to the kettle. The kitchen it is! You set this up and it looks great and is working well until you start to look around while you are trying to figure a solution to a work-related matter and you spot issues.  That wire is hanging a little bit too low there, what if the children start messing at it? I don’t fancy a trip to the children’s hospital today, I’ve loads of work on.

You stand up and you think, ooh I was sitting for way too long, and I need to stretch and feel that niggle in the body.  Your sitting at the table with a sandwich and a cup of tea and you accidentally spill it on your notes and have to start at the beginning again. Before you know it, you are calling electricians in which we are charged for before they step foot into our home, re-arranging your workspace as the kitchen is now not appropriate for work but it is for eating and lunch times & buying new ergonomic appropriate chairs. There is a huge financial strain here, just to work from home but it has to be done.

What we are unconsciously doing is risk assessments on health & Safety in the workplace! Which at present is our own home. The realisation that “actually having the right chair & sitting upright is a health & safety matter” making sure I don’t suffer with back issues. Ensuring there are no slip, trip and falls issues reduces the fear of an unsafe environment.  If you are not up to speed on Health and Safety check out our Training Courses HERE

Knowing Occupational first aid is important in case you are faced with an electrical burn or electrical shock from loose wires and overloaded sockets to give the right treatment as a first aider. This is all Health & safety in the workplace. We should never take chances or leave these work-related matters on “the long finger”!

I have now found a new appreciation for Health & Safety in the work place and realise not only the cost but the implications on both implementing safe measures and the repercussions of ignoring them. This can be minor or fatal! From assessing the work station, to knowing first aid to the importance of eating so we do not feel fatigue, all supports maintaining good health & safety procedures in the workplace whether it be at home or in the office.

This is important whether your working space is your kitchen or the office itself. Do not under estimate the importance of Health & Safety in the work place. If you are not sure how to do this, get some training and up skill. Follow the 4 R’s.

  • Risk Assess
  • Retrain if necessary
  • Report
  • Rectify

Some courses yo might find benificial –

  • Introduction to Personal Safety for Lone Workers Click HERE
  • Display Screen Equipment Awareness Click HERE
  • Workplace Health and Safety Click HERE

Stay Safe!

Jenn Regan

 

For more information or support with Health & Safety training contact info@growtraining.ie or visit www.growtraining.ie

 

Thanks to Rock Digital

REMOTE WORKING, THE OFFICE AT HOME!

Health & Safety in the workplace

 

We are into our 9th Month of Covid 19 and find ourselves working remotely / working from home more, and I am sure you may agree that this is a balancing act of another level.  What is fascinating is how aware we are when we are at home of keeping our surroundings in order and safe. We are juggling multiple tasks such as watching the children and amusing them while trying to work, or remembering to take proper breaks, keeping up with all the housework (which tends to be getting bigger than usual the more we stay at home) and remembering to eat and shower and dress in normal clothes and not our lounge wear on top of getting the equivalent of an 8 hour work day in. Our days may appear longer or shorter working from home but we still need to carry our Risk Assessments.

Setting up a work space

Setting up a work space can have its challenges such as finding a quiet space, ensuring the WIFI is strong and that you have a nice table and comfortable chair to work. You want to ensure your zoom calls don’t freeze or the children or family pets don’t come in on an important meeting! I’m sure this has happened to the majority of us working from home. For some of us, we tend to work where there is light and easy access to the kettle. The kitchen it is! You set this up and it looks great and is working well until you start to look around while you are trying to figure a solution to a work-related matter and you spot issues.  That wire is hanging a little bit too low there, what if the children start messing at it? I don’t fancy a trip to the children’s hospital today, I’ve loads of work on. You stand up and you think, ooh I was sitting for way too long, and I need to stretch and feel that niggle in the body.  Your sitting at the table with a sandwich and a cup of tea and you accidentally spill it on your notes and have to start at the beginning again. Before you know it, you are calling electricians in which we are charged for before they step foot into our home, re-arranging your workspace as the kitchen is now not appropriate for work but it is for eating and lunch times & buying new ergonomic appropriate chairs. There is a huge financial strain here, just to work from home but it has to be done.

Risk Assessments

What we are unconsciously doing is risk assessments on health & Safety in the workplace! Which at present is our own home. The realisation that “actually having the right chair & sitting upright is a health & safety matter” making sure I don’t suffer with back issues. Ensuring there are no slip, trip and falls issues reduces the fear of an unsafe environment. Knowing Occupational first aid is important in case you are faced with an electrical burn or electrical shock from loose wires and overloaded sockets to give the right treatment as a first aider. This is all Health & safety in the workplace. We should never take chances or leave these work-related matters on “the long finger”! I have now found a new appreciation for health & safety in the work place and realise not only the cost but the implications on both implementing safe measures and the repercussions of ignoring them. This can be minor or fatal! From assessing the work station, to knowing first aid to the importance of eating so we do not feel fatigue, all supports maintaining good health & safety procedures in the workplace whether it be at home or in the office. This is important whether your working space is your kitchen or the office itself. Do not under estimate the importance of health & Safety in the work place. If you are not sure how to do this, get some training and up skill. Follow the 4 R’s.

Risk Assess                                   Retrain if necessary

Report                                          Rectify

 

Stay Safe!

 

Jenn Regan

 

For more information, risk assessments or support with Health & Safety training contact info@growtraining.ie or visit www.growtraining.ie

 

Our Training courses HERE

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My ability helps your mobility! Day in the life of a frontline worker

Having worked in Health Care for many years there have been many experiences I can share with you that would make you laugh out loud and there are also many stories I could tell you that would bring a tear to your eye but I can save them for another Blog. Today I want to discuss mobilising around the home in homecare.  A lot of our aging population would like to live out their days at home. This is their civil right to do so. I feel that when I am older, I would like to spend my remaining days at home too. However, as healthcare workers, family members, partners, loved ones and even public health nurses we fear that the older we get, the more unsafe we become. And a house that we have lived in most of our adult life (with very few issues and accidents) has now become a risk!

Why is this you ask? Sure, I have been living her all my life, who are you to say I am at risk at home! Does this sound very common to you as a frontline worker? It sure does for us which is why my emphasis in this blog will be communication and language. Language is very important when firstly dealing with managing risk and risk assessments in a client’s or loved one’s home environment. I have always loved the tool T.I.L.E as I do believe it covers all areas for managing risk in all capacities that is simple to follow.

T=Tasks- What is involved?

I=Individual – Can I manage this alone?

L-Load – What can my loved one or client do for themselves?

E=Environment – Does this environment suit the task? Can this be made easier? Easier way that’s safe?

The Majority of us are built automatic to care for others so at times we are unconsciously finding  risks and fix them by any means and make it safe without considering that the person we are caring for may know a little bit more than us, however it is still important to try and manage falls prevention in the home. I have put together several tips to start the process based on my experience both as a frontline worker and a Patient moving and handling instructor.

Ask the person how it they normally do tasks and if you are not satisfied or believe this is an unsafe practice for your loved one or client, start with “Can I make a suggestion?”

CLARIFY – Clarify this person is able to … and to what extent. If you work for a company always clarify with your person in charge. Each task you are prepared to carry out, inform the person what it is and how it will be done. Effective communication is key!

PERMISSION – In every task you do for anyone you must gain consent.

PREPARATION – Good preparation leads to a smooth task! If you are working or supporting a person who is a risk of falls, ensure all areas are clear, you have all mobility aids available ie walking frame or rollator & if that person gets tired have your plan B ready. For example, walk beside that person with a wheelchair and if they get tired allow them to sit down.  Plan short walks to gain confidence for the person you are supporting.

INDEPENDENCE – Always allow the person to do / try as much as they can themselves and you assist with what they cannot do! The circle of life is hard enough for our older generation so allow them to maintain what ability they have left. Give direction to the older person. For example, when going from a sitting position to a standing one from a chair, ensure you tell the person you are supporting to push down on the handles of the chair and give them a count such as “ready, steady & stand”.

PERSONAL CARE– It is vitally as important that you manage your own mobility and back care so that you can give great care and support to an older person and this is not just in the work place! Stretch and exercise regularly and make the environment suit you! If I don’t practice safe health for myself, how can I be expected to do it for an older and frailer person!

Remember if in doubt, never do a task you feel may go wrong or that you are uncomfortable with. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or assistance and say you are struggling to manage … Consider a training course or a refresher course and compliment your current skillset. My ability will help with your mobility!

 

This has worked so far for me.

 

Stay Safe

Jenn

 

For more information on PM&H training course email info@growtraining.ie or visit www.growtraining.ie