Jobs and OSA

[Poppy56]

On the day I was diagnosed with OSA I was offered the job of my dreams - following 3 interviews and a huge amount of hard work. I've just had to fill in a medical form (job offer is subject to a satisfactory medical) and had to tick yes to a question on whether I suffer from any long term or recurrent medical condition that requires medication, treatment or therapy. I assume this will mean some follow-up to the questionnaire. I ticked 'no' to a question on whether I have anything that stops me from carrying out normal day to day work activities. I suspect that I have had OSA for a long time but it has never stopped me from doing a very demanding job - I inspect schools and although I feel tired a lot of the time I think I manage to compensate for it well. My worry now is whether the job offer will be withdrawn. Suddenly I feel a bit panicky about all this - at first, although anxious about having to have a CPAP, I was relieved at having a diagnosis. But now it all seems a bit much!

[Tigers Fan]

No difference

Hi Poppy56

Once you are compliant on CPAP, your medical condition does not exist as far as your ability to work is concerned.

DVLA have no interest (once you are compliant), motor insurance companies have no interest.

CPAP banishes daytime sleepiness (for most of us) so OSA does not effect your ability to do a job.

Tigers Fan

[musotech]

Hi Poppy,
Never had a problem in the 3 interviews & medical forms I've had to do after I was diagnosed with OSA, like you, all in Education. Only once did the Occupational Health people contact me and that was to ask if I was being treated. After telling them I had a CPAP machine the conversation was over in 30 seconds with a 'no problem then'.
You will be able to inspect with new vigour! (Be gentle with us though!!!!)

[leswaller]

It will be illegal for any employer to discriminate against you on the grounds of a medical condition. It would be up to them to prove that you would be unable to carry out your duties adequately. Even then they would have to show that they have made every effort to make your duties flexible enough to compensate for your condition, but that this is not possible. The law is totally on the side of the employee in these cases.

[Tigers Fan]

Yes, but ....

You are right, Les - but first you have to get the job. We all know how easy it is to discriminate behind the cloak of 'not the best qualified/suited/experienced/etc.

Fear not, Poppy56 - if you are CPAP compliant, your OSA doesn't count - you have no symptoms (as far as you address the Panel's concerns, anyway).

Tigers Fan

[Poppy56]

Thanks all. I have signed the contract and returned the medical form. I have to give 3 months notice and so have informed my current employers who don't seem that bothered - just asked me whether I needed a different work schedule. I assume if you tick certain boxes on a medical form they will get back to you to find out the details. And I've never fallen asleep at work yet or performed badly because of tiredness - I seem to fall asleep at weekends, in cars, on trains and in the cinema instead!

[leswaller]

If you have signed the contract then you are safe even if they turn funny, as any attempt to make life difficult for you now would be a case of constructive dismissal. They appear to be doing things correctly anyway as they have asked you about a different work schedule. Good luck with the new job I hope it goes well.

[James @ Intus]

So where does this leave you with your actual treatment?

[Poppy56]

Well, that was easier than I thought. Current employer just want to make my schedule easier if I need it. Future employer are fine too - their occupational physician just phoned and said I am fit to work normally, no problems.

Now just waiting for my appointment next month to start the treatment.

[leswaller]

Congratulations, just concentrate on the OSA now. Best wishes for the appointment