A 34-year-old office worker presents with lower back pain after lifting a heavy box at work. He is otherwise well and examination reveals no red-flag ...

Question

A 34-year-old office worker presents with lower back pain after lifting a heavy box at work. He is otherwise well and examination reveals no red-flag features. He has been off work for 4 days and requests a sick note. What should you do regarding certification?

Accepted Answer

Explain that self-certification covers up to 7 calendar days and no fit note is required yet

Answer

Issue a fit note as he has been off for 4 days

Answer

Advise that no certification is ever needed for back pain

Answer

Refuse to discuss certification and ask him to see occupational health

Answer

Issue a long-term fit note for 3 months

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Sickness certification

A 34-year-old office worker presents with lower back pain after lifting a heavy box at work. He is otherwise well and examination reveals no red-flag features. He has been off work for 4 days and requests a sick note. What should you do regarding certification?