We instruct employees they must take their medication after work or at bedtime.   They cannot take it before or during work.

We would assess each person and the job duty and the injury and the medication and the dosage of medication individually…before deciding if they do the types of jobs you described below.

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Viereck, Maryann
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 1:50 PM
To: 'MCOH/EH' <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Opioid Pain Medication

DOT web site may be helpful

Maryann Viereck RN,BS,CEN,COHN-S 

Employee Health Coordinator

Cape Regional Medical Center

2 Stone Harbor Blvd

Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

phone 609-463-2512

fax 609-463-2910

http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/regdocs/released/pdf/DOH/8003.pdf

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Mike Janak
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 11:01 AM
To: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Opioid Pain Medication

Hello,

I’m searching for data or possibly a scientific study that would help me create a rationale for what jobs or tasks a worker would be unable to perform while on Opioid painkillers. 

This would likely be in a return to work situation, where an employee who has received an injury is prescribed pain killers and is now allowed back to work, but is still taking the pain killing drugs.

Are there any safety considerations to make when placing the worker when they return? 

Can they still operate a forklift, an overhead crane, climb ladders and/or walk on elevated platforms, etc.? 

Would the narcotic drug affect balance, depth perception, fine motor skills, heart rate when performing physically demanding tasks, etc.?

I’m wondering if there is any information that could help make a decision on what jobs would contain potential hazards.

Thanks for your help!

Mike Janak

Ergonomic Specialist  MS, OSHT

Cell: 920-858-6413

 
 
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