Flu season is in full swing. Winter is a time when many of us struggle with infections. This is especially true in the Netherlands, where the weather can change several times a day and a “whirlwind” is not hard to come by. Flu and cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, and muscle aches, often make us reach for over-the-counter medications. But have you considered how they affect your safety at work? Preparations containing pseudoephedrine, a popular ingredient in many cold and flu medications, can be particularly dangerous.
Pseudoephedrine is a silent enemy of concentration.
It is a vasoconstrictor used to decongest the airways. Does that sound good? Not necessarily. In addition to its beneficial effect on the upper respiratory tract, pseudoephedrine also affects the nervous system and can cause:
- Dizziness and imbalance – which are dangerous, especially in occupations that require working at heights or operating machinery.
- It can also cause hyperactivity and nervousness – which can lead to rash decisions and risky behavior.
- It can also cause sleep problems and persistent fatigue – which can lead to a lack of concentration, one of the main causes of accidents at work.
- Elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias – which, when combined with work-related stress, can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Why is this important in terms of job safety?
In many occupations, such as physical work, operating mechanical equipment, and driving, concentration, reflexes, and mental and physical stability are crucial. Drugs containing pseudoephedrine or another active ingredient can disrupt these abilities. A moment’s inattention can lead to an accident that threatens life and limb.
What does the VCA have to say about this?
The occupational safety regulations discussed in the Basic VCA course clearly state that employees must be fully capable of performing their duties. Employees must not use drugs that affect the nervous system without informing their employer. This can be treated as a state of incapacity, and in the event of an accident, it can be considered an aggravating factor for the employee.
Want to know more?
Would you like to learn more about medications and their impact on your work? What rights and obligations do you have regarding medication use? How should you behave at work while under the influence of drugs? Sign up for the Basic VCA course! This course will prepare you to work safely in a variety of conditions and help you avoid the dangers of inadequate risk awareness.
Check out the details of the Basic VCA course here!
Photo: Myriam Zilles on Unsplash
