Workplace health issue

TheMidnightOwl

Hi... First post so don't be so hard on me

I work in a very large, openplan office. I suffer from very painful knees. I have taken a small blanket into work with me for the past three years which eases the pain if wrapped around my knees. Recently this blanket was taken away from me by my manager and I was requested to bring a doctor's note in and I could once again use my blanket. I brought the note in and was then told this matter has been passed onto the head manager to decide whether or not I am allowed to continue to use this blanket. Without the blanket the pain in my knees causes me discomfort in work. Are they entitled to stop me using this blanket? Am i legally entitled to use it? Any help or insight into this matter would be muchly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

The Midnight Owl

one_hot_minute

What are their reasons for removing the blanket? Is it health and safety? Have they referred you to Occupational Health and have you been issued a formal letter by the HR dept re the issue of blanket in the workplace?

Your employer has certain obligations regarding your comfort and safety at work, ie seat height, foot rests etc. Colleagues of mine with painful backs have pillows, cushions etc. I cant see why this would be an issue and your blanket is clearly just an extension of that.

ceridwen

Well - all I can say is that your management are being totally pathetic in even raising this as an issue. Its totally your decision - and your decision only - as to whether put a blanket round your knees. End of....

Sounds like your manager has just decided to be a right !!!!! for some reason. Hopefully the Head Manager will think this whole issue is as ridiculous as the rest of us are likely to and say "of course she can continue using her blanket if she wants to".

HOpe this works out for you...

dmg24

I would agree that this needs OH input. The problem with blankets in the office is that they have a tendency to get stuck around chairs, and as such could cause a nasty accident.

OP have you looked at alternatives, such as heat pads?

dmg24

ceridwen wrote: »

Well - all I can say is that your management are being totally pathetic in even raising this as an issue. Its totally your decision - and your decision only - as to whether put a blanket round your knees. End of....

HOpe this works out for you...

Would you be saying that if the OP was posting to say that they had tripped over their/ their colleague's blanket? You really need to look at the bigger picture (or just think before you post!). :rolleyes:

TheMidnightOwl

one_hot_minute wrote: »

What are their reasons for removing the blanket? Is it health and safety? Have they referred you to Occupational Health and have you been issued a formal letter by the HR dept re the issue of blanket in the workplace?

Your employer has certain obligations regarding your comfort and safety at work, ie seat height, foot rests etc. Colleagues of mine with painful backs have pillows, cushions etc. I cant see why this would be an issue and your blanket is clearly just an extension of that.

I have received no explanation whatsoever.. I was ordered to put it away. I did ask what the reason was and was told i need the doctors note.. so on my next shift i brought a note in and my blanket and was then treated like a child infront of everyone and ordered to put it away again until the boss had made a decision. My work doesnt have an occupational health department, no on site union.. (union forbidden) another employee had a small pillow removed from her too.. My blanket is fire retardant, and i assume doesnt pose a fire hazard..

ceridwen

dmg24 wrote: »

Would you be saying that if the OP was posting to say that they had tripped over their/ their colleague's blanket? You really need to look at the bigger picture (or just think before you post!). :rolleyes:

I'll ignore those gratuitous unnecessary words in brackets.....:D

Even assuming a slight - very slight indeed - health risk to OP from having that blanket wrapped round their knees at a time when they might need to run for the exit in the event of a fire or something - I think that could be covered adequately by OP signing a note saying something to effect "I have been notified of this very slight possibility and am using this blanket at my own risk".

Again...end of....

dmg24

ceridwen wrote: »

I'll ignore those gratuitous unnecessary words in brackets.....:D

Even assuming a slight - very slight indeed - health risk to OP from having that blanket wrapped round their knees at a time when they might need to run for the exit in the event of a fire or something - I think that could be covered adequately by OP signing a note saying something to effect "I have been notified of this very slight possibility and am using this blanket at my own risk".

Again...end of....

The employer cannot exclude themselves from such liability by getting the employee to sign a note. They are aware of a risk, and as such have to act on it.

Again ... please stop giving bad advice.

TheMidnightOwl

dmg24 wrote: »

I would agree that this needs OH input. The problem with blankets in the office is that they have a tendency to get stuck around chairs, and as such could cause a nasty accident.

OP have you looked at alternatives, such as heat pads?

we don't have an occupational health department, i have the blanket folded and it doesnt drape on the floor, i have tried heat pads, but as i have to have my knees bent under the desk they come off or move..

dmg24

TheMidnightOwl wrote: »

I have received no explanation whatsoever.. I was ordered to put it away. I did ask what the reason was and was told i need the doctors note.. so on my next shift i brought a note in and my blanket and was then treated like a child infront of everyone and ordered to put it away again until the boss had made a decision. My work doesnt have an occupational health department, no on site union.. (union forbidden) another employee had a small pillow removed from her too.. My blanket is fire retardant, and i assume doesnt pose a fire hazard..

You could ask that your employer brings in an external OH Consultant to assess your workplace surroundings. As well as the safety obligations mentioned above, the employer also has an obligation towards your health at work. I am sure that you can reach a compromise.

ceridwen

dmg24 wrote: »

The employer cannot exclude themselves from such liability by getting the employee to sign a note. They are aware of a risk, and as such have to act on it.

Again ... please stop giving bad advice.

prove it......:D