1. Construction Safety Talks
The Cure Can Be As You are aware of the national campaign to stop the use of illegal
Bad As The Disease drugs and the special emphasis in the work place on drug testing
(Over-the-Counter and other controls. It certainly is true that illegal drugs are a very
Medicines) serious hazard, but if we look at actual job-related deaths and
injuries, the most commonly found drugs are widely used
No. 66 prescription medicines or medicines that you can get at the drug
store or even the supermarket without a prescription, over-the-
counter medicines.
How This Talk
Applies To My Because these medicines are easily obtained and are used for
Crew: minor illnesses and complaints, we assume that they are perfectly
safe. If, however, you look at the label, you will generally see that
a number of precautions are listed like: "take no more than four a
day," "discontinue use if dizziness occurs," "may cause
drowsiness," "consult your doctor if symptoms persist"; and you
will also note that they haven't made it easy to get the pill out of
the bottle.
Over-the-counter medicines can impair performance, increase the
chance of accidents, and may be equally as dangerous as the
condition or illness you are trying treat. They may limit your ability
to work safely, and the medicines you take are not likely to give
more than partial relief.
• If you need medicine for a painful condition, remember that the
medicine may limit your mobility or delay your responses more
than the condition itself.
• If you have a fever, you shouldn't be climbing or using
hazardous machinery.
• If you are having trouble sleeping, you are more prone to
fatigue. Sleep medicines or mild stimulants only mask the
symptoms.
• Many people are susceptible to the amounts of antihistamine in
cold pills. The side-effects are lowered alertness and slowed
responses. If you exceed the recommended dose, the effects
will, of course, be worse.
• The hazardous effects of antihistamines, tranquilizers, mild
sedatives, and pain relievers are greatly magnified when
combined with alcohol.
• The side-effects of these medicines may be worse when you
take them for a physically stressful illness like the flu.
© 2004 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 1

2. So, if you have an illness that could keep you from working, don't try to treat it yourself.
Don't take medicines if you have to drive, work at heights, or with power tools, unless
approved by your doctor. Be sure your doctor knows what you do at work and feels you
can do your work safely. Don't use refills without checking with the doctor, and don't
use somebody else's prescription medicine.
Attended by : _______________ ________________ _______________
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The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
© 2004 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 2