My Husband has just been told he has emphysema and some apnormal signs on hes lungs.

[dotfogg]

he works with fiber glass and solvents. will he be told to change jobs, or will he have to go on the sick.

[kimmy59]

Hello and welcome

I would ring the helpline on here for advice.

Kim

[Jo_BLFHelpline British Lung Foundation]

Hi dotfogg

When a person has a lung condition then being in dusty environments can certainly exacerbate any symptoms they have. Does you husband have all the necessary protective equipment? This is a must if he hasn't. Giving up work will depend on how he is, what stage the COPD is at and how he feels - his consultant should be able to advise on what is best.

You say he has abnormal signs on his lungs, is he having any further tests and has been referred on?

Can you give us a call on the helpline so we can discuss this further with you? Monday - Friday 10am -6pm 03000 030 555.

Best Wishes

Jo

[y_not]

Please dotfogg,

if he thinks about giving up work get him to talk to his employer FIRST.

They have some obligations, including making reasonable adjustments - that MIGHT include moving him into another area of the business (and possibly some re-training) so that he is not affected by the atmosphere.

We make life far to easy for employers! They cannot discriminate against disabled people (chronic lung conditions = disabled ... not necessarily receipt of benefits) and why shouldn't he work if that's what he wants to do. Once out of work it is much, much harder to get back in so fight to stay!

It may be (depends of how H&S has been arranged) that his job has caused/contributed to his problems in which case the employer might have a lot more to answer for!