Supportive office chair. Lack of bannisters at work.

[eescvc]

Hi guys,

I've requested an assessment from occupational health as part of my reasonable adjustments at work. However the company would rather we solve any issues ourselves before resorting to that.

This means I need to give them some suggestions of a chair that will be better for me, but I am clueless.

Any suggestions of a chair that would be good for back support and posture would be appreciated.

The other issue is I've been moved floors now and have to go up/down 3 small flights of 3 steps (9 overall) to go to the toilet every time I need to. There are no bannisters on these stairs and I am struggling as I have myositis in my thighs. Is this allowed?

Thanks.

[grannyjogger]

I find it slightly concerning that your employers don’t want to resort to referring you to occ health for an assessment. This should be the first thing that is done. The adjustments needed should be assessed by health professionals. You cannot just make a guess at what adjustments might be needed, also the health professionals (eg OT or nurse) will have the knowledge about appropriate equipment available to make things easier. For example when I was at work they advised an Evoluent upright mouse for my computer. I had never heard of this but it was brilliant for relieving hand and wrist pain. Employers have a legal responsibility to arrange to make reasonable adjustments.

[eescvc in reply to grannyjogger]

Yes I find it concerning too. I feel as though I've already had to fight just to get this far, it's been over a month just to get to this point. HR is one person in once a week who has no prior experience of this side of HR. I've already had to fight for other rights such as not having my bonus cut for disability related absences, and having time off for medical appointments. The problem is I'm so sick of having to fight my corner now, I feel defeater already. I was thinking of seeing citizens advice but I don't want to have to push my employers more than I have already as it seems they're already reluctant to help.

[weathervane]

An OT can also give advice regarding appropriate seating for your work. Best wishes with your mission, I sympathise with your bannister probelm as i have problems with bannisterless stairs as well .

[eescvc in reply to weathervane]

This is why I asked to have an ot come in to assess me, but they don't want to so I've sort of lost the will to fight it now.

[weathervane in reply to eescvc]

Can they get you info re suitable seating at least ? I don’t know if they can do assessments in the workplace . I hope your work can sort things out .

[eescvc in reply to weathervane]

My OT said the best option would be for my employer to get occupational health in to assess me but clearly that isn't happening now. I don't see my OT for 3 months now.

[weathervane in reply to eescvc]

Maybe health and safety should be involved as well if putting you at risk! Good luck with all .