Dagga and Height Workers

There is a substantial amount of dagga-users in the Western Cape, in my experience and according to reports. What is concerning is the attitude of the employers towards this problem, as they do not seem to realise the safety implications hereoff.

Please take a look at the psychological and physical changes that occurs with dagga usage.

AKA: DAGGA/CANNABIS/GRASS/POT/GHANJA/DOPE

Dagga is a chemical substance that leads to physical and psychological changes.

Physical changes:

Increase in heart beat
Dry mouth
Light headedness
Tremors
Loss of body co-ordination

Possible psychological changes:

Mood swings (happy - down)
Illusions:

The brain interprets something real as different, for example: a stick as a snake

Perceptual disorder which can lead to fear and paranoia


Duration of effect on body: smoke: 2-4 hours
eat : 5-12 hours

THE KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR HEIGHT WORKERS:

To be able to work at great heights, without risk of falling
To be able to cope with the physical demands of climbing up and down as well as performing the manual tasks of the job
To be able to cope with working on the scaffolding without having to use a toilet frequently
.
EXCLUSIONS FOR HEIGHTS

Disorders of thought and judgement
Disorders impairing level of consciousness: substance abuse, epilepsy, blackouts and diabetes that is uncontrolled
Disorders that impair balance
Medicines that impair awareness or concentration (antihistamines, neuropsychotropics, anticonvulsants, strong pain medications)
Disorders of musculoskeletal system