Anxious

[Joshuajoe]

I'm employed as a painter in a school I recently got letter from docs stating the fumes and dust were affecting my copd , I have asked to be demoted to caretaking duties I am afraid I lose my job , help !

[stone-UK]

Hi

Your employer as a duty of care to provide adequate PPE personal protective equipment, to allow you to carry out your duties safely.

They are also obliged to other suitable alternative position on health grounds.

Speak to your manager or union representative if available.

[Joshuajoe in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks for the reply , I'm not in a union , just worried about getting laid off , there are no current vacancies , they are sending me to see occupational health , I've tried wearing a mask at work but can't get on with it ,

[stone-UK in reply to Joshuajoe]

Hi

Mask are a acquired taste, seems you will have to wait and see what the occupation health have to say.

Hopefully they will find a suitable solution.

[Caspiana in reply to Joshuajoe]

I know what you mean. Masks make me feel more smothered. 😑

[Shancock]

My advice is to join a union, I work in a school and am member of GMB,mits about £3 a month so worth it. They legally cannot get rid of you on health grounds and I'm sure being a school they know that.

[welllaners]

I am in "Unite" union, who have given me a lot of help with my COPD and work/sickness.

Your rights will be made clear to you by the Union and they will accompany you to any meetings you have with your employers.

Your Occupational health report needs to be looked at closely by someone who can understand the implications of it.

Most COPD sufferers would struggle with masks.

You need to seek help before you have your OH assessment.

Take care

Steve

[CornishBrian]

Most unions will not take on any situations you are already involved in. However, if you can find a friendly union rep, suggest they say that they already have your union membership form but forgot to send it in. However, if all else fails, you have done the correct thing. It would be illegal if you had continued working without informing your employer of the situation . The company, in your case school or County Council, now have a duty of care to you and should be able to come up with a mutually acceptable arrangement.