DfBB raises awareness on diabetes
Road safety programme Driving for Better Business (DfBB), a free-to-access business engagement programme from National Highways, has highlighted the challenges that diabetes can pose for those tasked with the management of health and safety.
“Driving is the most dangerous work activity that most people do, and it contributes to far more work-related accidental deaths and serious injuries than all other work activities,” said DfBB.
“When you add in the added complication of a nationwide diabetes epidemic, it is another challenge for those who manage health and safety.”
“This is why DfBB… is working closely with Diabetes Safety Organisation to understand the scale of the issue and what managers need to know.”
Diabetes is a hidden epidemic exposing companies to increased absenteeism, increased risk of accidents, and increased risk of company liability, says DfBB.
“Crucially, diabetes is a known foreseeable risk in the workplace. There is legislation that needs to be followed, which is often not understood well.
“Employers are expected to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for employees with diabetes. For drivers, reasonable adjustments might include:
- Allowing breaks every 2 hours to test blood sugar levels.
- Flexibility in working hours to accommodate regular health checks.
- A place to keep insulin cool during the day.
“There is an increased risk of accidents for those who are undiagnosed, or those who are not managing it well. A diabetic ‘hypo’ is when the blood sugar levels drop too low, and this can cause palpitations, shaking, confusion, blurry vision and many other symptoms that are not conducive to safe driving.”
There are 5 million people in the UK with diabetes, points out DfBB; and a further 12.6 million in the UK have pre-diabetes.
“Anyone with diabetes can drive if their blood sugars are well managed and they’re looking after themselves,” the organisation continued.
“However, a driver should stop driving and contact the DVLA as soon as they find out they must take insulin for the long term, or if they start to develop complications. If they don’t, they’re breaking the law.
“The rules differ depending on the vehicle – for those who drive a bus or a lorry (Group 2 driving licence) the laws are stricter.”
One million people in the UK are undiagnosed, adds DfBB; and there is a role for employers to recognise the symptoms, encourage diagnosis, and help the employee to stay well and in employment for longer.
“The complications from diabetes are what cause people to lose their jobs – there are 190 amputations a week in the UK from the toe upwards, due to diabetes.
“Good practice would mean education for managers on the different types of diabetes and asking the individual the right questions.
“Do they need to take time to take blood tests?
“Do they need somewhere to keep their insulin cool?
“Have they got somewhere on-site or in their vehicles where they keep their sugar and glucose shots?
“Managers should check that first aiders know how to deal with diabetes and hypos, ensure that the right risk assessment is in place, and check that their driving for work policy covers fitness to drive.
“In the event of a serious or fatal incident, the employer will be asked ‘what have you done that is reasonable and practicable to mitigate the risks?’”
An interview with Diabetes Safety Organisation managing director Kate Walker, and resources to help safety managers, are available on the Driving for Better Business podcast page.
