Now we have a clearer picture of what happened, where do people stand with this regarding mental health. It has emerged that the co-pilot has struggled with severe depression on record since 2009. Is he a bastard? He was giving a sick note off the doctors, in jobs like this should companies also be contacted? Should people with mental health problems be restricted from certain work duties? Wondering what people's views are on this, I have seen and heard arguments from both sides, wonder how yous all look at this?
WOW..This is a difficult one............This case is very much a one off and I can't recall anything like it happening before... It is my view that every case of mental illness is different and should be judged om merit.. With a job such as this where many lives are potentially at risk, then the GP should be obliged to inform the employer if he suspects that he/she presents a danger.....This is a dangerous path to go down though, so I do have my doubts..
It's an incredibly difficult one mate. I have to say though that all employers should be informed when a person is mentally ill. To be honest, I would not want me in charge of a plane when my depression is severe, I fully well know what I'm capable of and that is exactly what the co-pilot ended up doing. I've been giving sick notes before and have binned them and gone to work regardless, it shouldn't be left to somebody depressed and not fully in control of their actions to be trusted with such issues. I like the comment about judging each case on merit, the above paragraph was looking at it through my eyes and the thoughts I've had and continue to go through my head. Somebody with the same illness may not have such volatile thoughts as me and therefore would never put anybody else's life in danger. Thanks for replying, I know it's a tough one
In the case where peoples lives are at stake, it is cut and dry. He should not have been a co pilot on the plane. The company should have been made aware and proper procedure put into place. I think that you have to adopt the worst case scenario for these things sadly. For standard jobs, it may be the right thing to do (to notify the company you work for) but unless it is likely to have a dramatic impact (on them) then you should not be forced to give up your condition. Regardless of anything else though, anyone with mental issues needs guidance and support. This co pilot is not a bad person in my eyes now that we know more about him.
That's what I thought of but why would it be different to me flying a plane then walking into an office or building site filled with 200 staff? (apart from the obvious) People's lives are still being compromised by me being there...
word for word!! Life trumps everything else. Any job where potentially harm (lorry driver/crane operator etc) could be done HR / relevant authorities (DMV for instance) need to be made aware and appropriate decision made. Ive worked after taking tramadol and nearly wiped my self out daftvbut i didnt believe it would make me drowsy. My mother inlaw takes anti seziure meds and nearly killed herself and others in a wicked crash. We have actually fallen out over the whole affair
Why? It is far more manageable in an office or a shop etc. A building site would be a no no for me. Too many "weapons" which could be lethal if there was a turn. It is all about managing risk and safeguarding for me.
No mate, I think this is going off-topic as I don't believe these are linked to mental health? Sorry if I'm wrong with that.
If I've got bad thoughts in my head there's plenty I could still use to cause severe damage or even death. I could take the ink cartridge out of a pen, sharpen the end and stick it in somebody's neck. If the thoughts are in your head, like anything else if you want it enough, you'll find a way to make it happen.
Yeah i just re-read the whole thing and it is slightly off topic. However the same premise should stand, depression is an illness same as seizures are an illness. Therefore imo deserve the same treatment. You would not want your pilot on tramadol mate . I guess thats what i was trying to say.
not the right way to think but doubt rambo could kill 138 with a sharpened bic like, get where your coming from tho
Of course it's not mate, I'm just putting it out there for debate. Yeah you aint gunna kill 138 with a sharpened bic, but one person is far to many, surely nobodys life should be put in danger?
Agreed however it is still more manageable. Otherwise we are now going down the route of saying that mentally ill people are not fit to work at all! That is crazy and it robs good people of a chance to earn a proper living and enjoy a proper life. I can't justify that and I hope we never get to that. Communication is the key (as was stated before). Having approachable and understanding managers is the first step. Employee's need to be able to feel like they can discuss these things openly. A big issue I have is that everyone tries to keep mental illnesses all hushed up. I can't say I know a great deal on the matter. There needs to be a bigger push on mental health in general.
nah i completely agree with you mate 100%. That being said a line has to be drawn somewhere, just glad im not the bloke who has to decide
curious as to why tho? Depressed pilot has some thoughts of mass murder Vs Pilot dosn't warn company he suffers from seizures and has one above the alps End result is same 138 innocent lives lost.....
Top post mate. I'm telling you as a man with bi-polar that at certain times I should not be allowed to go and work for an employer, no matter where or who it would be. Like I said before another man with bi-polar might come on here and talk quite differently to me. It's looking like we are heading down the road of each case being judged on merit
very true ! unless he fell infront of the door but not a plane i would knowingly get on.... I feel like iv'e taken this off its original topic kinda, oops sorry
Regardless of input mate, the more people that get involved and discuss this taboo subject the better. It shouldn't be hid away from the world and needs openly discussed
