16 Jan Over-the-Counter Medications – Working Safely

Over-the-Counter Medications – Working Safely

Over-the-counter medications are commonly used to relieve cold, flu, allergy, headache, and other minor symptoms. Although these medications are available without a prescription, they can still cause side effects that affect workplace safety.

Some medications may cause drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reaction time, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating. These effects can make driving, operating equipment, working at heights, or performing other safety-sensitive tasks hazardous.

Read and Follow the Label

Before taking any over-the-counter medication:

• Read the entire label, including warnings and precautions.
• Take only the recommended dose and follow the dosing schedule.
• Never take a larger dose because you believe it will provide faster or greater relief.
• Check whether the medication may cause drowsiness or impair alertness.
• Pay particular attention to warnings about driving or operating machinery.
• Check the active ingredients to avoid accidentally taking more than one product containing the same medication.
• Follow age, health-condition, and other precautions listed on the label.

Avoid Unsafe Medication Combinations

Taking several medications at the same time can increase the risk of side effects or result in accidentally exceeding the recommended dose of an active ingredient.

• Do not combine medications unless the labels permit it or a healthcare professional or pharmacist advises you that it is safe.
• Check the active ingredients in cold, flu, allergy, pain, and sleep products because different products may contain the same ingredients.
• If you take prescription medications, ask a physician or pharmacist about possible interactions before using an over-the-counter product.
• Do not combine medication with alcohol when the label advises against it.

Combination medications can be appropriate when their ingredients match the symptoms being treated. The important point is to understand what each product contains and avoid unnecessary or duplicate ingredients.

Consider the Effects Before Working

A medication that is safe when resting at home may present additional risks when performing safety-sensitive work.

Before driving, operating machinery, climbing ladders, working at heights, or performing other hazardous tasks, consider whether the medication affects your:

• Alertness and concentration.
• Coordination or balance.
• Vision.
• Judgment.
• Reaction time.

Do not perform a safety-sensitive task if a medication warning prohibits it or if you are experiencing side effects that could prevent you from performing the work safely. Notify your supervisor according to company procedures when your ability to work safely may be affected.

Illness Can Also Affect Safety

Medication is not the only concern. The illness itself may cause fatigue, dizziness, weakness, dehydration, poor concentration, or slowed reaction time.

Employees should evaluate whether they are fit to perform their assigned work safely. Do not allow production schedules, deadlines, or a desire to finish the job to override safety.

Ask When You Are Unsure

Talk with a physician or pharmacist if you:

• Are unsure whether medications can safely be taken together.
• Take prescription medications or have medical conditions that may affect medication use.
• Experience unexpected or significant side effects.
• Have symptoms that persist or worsen.
• Are unsure whether a medication may interfere with driving or other safety-sensitive work.

Remember

“Over-the-counter” does not mean risk-free. Read the label, follow the recommended dosage, understand the active ingredients and possible side effects, and never perform work when medication or illness makes it unsafe to do so.