Hi I have recently be given this cream to use to clear actinic keratoses. I’m a care worker and I’m wondering if my employer should complete a risk assessment for me.
Hi I have recently be given this cream to use to clear actinic keratoses. I’m a care worker and I’m wondering if my employer should complete a risk assessment for me.
Hi Marie g
My name is Linda and I am one of the Work Support Advisers in our Money and Work Team. I can advise on your Rights at Work if you have been affected by Cancer.
I am not medically trained so I cannot provide any comment on your medical condition or treatment you are receiving. This would be best answered by your medical team as to whether there may be side affects or risks associated with this cream you have been prescribed. We also have Cancer Information Nurse Specialists at Macmillan Cancer Support that you can speak to . They are available on 0808 808 0000 ( press option 1 and option 3) 7 days per week from 8am -8pm or you can post your question here
The aim of a Risk Assessment is to reduce the risk of injury or illness associated with work. If you feel you are at risk at work then you can ask for a risk assessment to be done at work. There is more information on this in the link below.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/risk-assessment-template-and-examples.htm
In case you are not aware Marie g , as you have a cancer diagnosis you are considered to have a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means your employer should not discriminate against you because of your cancer. Your employer is also under a duty to make reasonable adjustments to help you at work. This protection is lifelong and does not depend on an active cancer diagnosis.
Reasonable adjustments remove or minimise disadvantages experienced by disabled people. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not disadvantaged in the workplace. They should also make sure policies and practices do not put disabled people at a disadvantage.
You can request a reasonable adjustment in the workplace, providing you can relate it back to your cancer. Your employer has a duty to consider all reasonable adjustments and a failure to do so could suggest disability discrimination. If your employer rejects a reasonable adjustment request, they need to be able to demonstrate why it is “unreasonable” for them to accommodate or it could suggest that you are being treated less favourably as a disabled person. If you feel this applies, it would be advisable to seek further advice. If you are a member of a work union, they could offer support to you.
I hope this has answered your question but please do get back in touch if you have any further concerns.
Kind Regards
Linda
Work Support Advisor
Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email
