Workplace health issue

ceridwen

TheMidnightOwl wrote: »

If i refused and used the blanket i would probably be sacked on the spot..
a male manager took me into the office and suggested i wear thermals.. I find this very offensive, having underwear suggested to me..

..and there is a snag to this idea: ie "who would pay for the thermals he mentions?". You dont need them yourself - they would need buying just to suit your workplace...

DVardysShadow

You have done what you were asked by bringing in a Doctor's note. I think you would be in the right to say you had brought in the Doctor's note as demanded so refusing to accept that amounts to oppressive behaviour.The trouble is that a jumped up idiot has chosen to throw his weight around and if you defy him, he is not going to let it pass. Your choice is being forced to conformity or defiance.

You need to be blddy minded! I would suggest you carry on using it and tell them to leave you alone - then let them dismiss and go to a tribunal if they are that stoopid. Or you could raise a grievance. Probably best thing if you are going to defy.

ckerrd

What does your GP recommend? The blanket?
What will happen if you actually have to stop using it?

ceridwen

DVardysShadow wrote: »

You have done what you were asked by bringing in a Doctor's note. I think you would be in the right to say you had brought in the Doctor's note as demanded so refusing to accept that amounts to oppressive behaviour.The trouble is that a jumped up idiot has chosen to throw his weight around and if you defy him, he is not going to let it pass. Your choice is being forced to conformity or defiance.

You need to be blddy minded! I would suggest you carry on using it and tell them to leave you alone - then let them dismiss and go to a tribunal if they are that stoopid. Or you could raise a grievance. Probably best thing if you are going to defy.

Actually I think it would be a good idea to look up the rules of your employment - as to what constitutes minor misconduct, gross misconduct, etc. I cant honestly think that continuing to use your blanket would even constitute minor misconduct and I very much doubt they could even give you a verbal warning for doing something your own doctor has recommended for health reasons. If you safely have more than 2 years service then I would personally go ahead and keep using my blanket - with a copy of the rules right by me as to just what does constitute "misconduct" in their book.

A Tribunal would "laugh out of court" someone being told they couldnt keep using something their doctor had stated was necessary for health reasons - so I very much doubt they would take it that far.

I would certainly carry right on using it and wait to see if they had the nerve to try giving me a verbal warning (assuming you have that at least 2 years service okay:D).

TheMidnightOwl

ckerrd wrote: »

What does your GP recommend? The blanket?
What will happen if you actually have to stop using it?

I was knocked down by a car when i was younger, i have suffered painfully knees ever since, the heat helps with the pain.. I have been prescibed painkillers for my knees for years. the doctor knows the heat helps and hence suggested blanket.. i am sometimes, almost reduced to tears without it, the pain can get quite severe.. I dont feel i'm asking for the world by wanting to continue to use the blanket.. Its been taken away twice and they have refused to give me an explanation as to why.. I just got the impression that.. "i'm above you and i'll take ya blanket cos i can attitude" I'm not a trouble causer in work.. I just want to do my job free from pain.

ceridwen

Well - I'm back to giving them a letter and asking for an explanation in writing of their actions.

Asking verbally is one thing - putting in an official request in writing is another...

Errata

Why not ask your doctor to refer you to a physio therapist? There may be better ways of easing the pain in your knees than a blanket.

ckerrd

Your Doctor has recommended that you use a blanket to alleviate the pain and that without it you would be unable to work?

If the above is the case then your supervisor/manager/employer would need a pretty good reason to remove it from you. You need to know what their rationale is.

TheMidnightOwl

ceridwen wrote: »

Well - I'm back to giving them a letter and asking for an explanation in writing of their actions.

Asking verbally is one thing - putting in an official request in writing is another...

The boss is back tuesday and i have been told i will have a decision from him.. I will just have to work in pain until then. defying them wouldnt be in my best interest..depending on the outcome of the boss's decision, i will take it from there... Thank you so much for your advice

ceridwen

Of course there is the "taking the michael" approach as wellll.......well they started that one didnt they?

The "taking the michael" thing to do would be to come in to work wearing a nice long fleecy dressing gown - which would certainly cover up your knees and might do as good a job as a blanket perhaps? There are some lovely ones around.....i've got a couple myself...and they are bliss for adding a bit of extra warmth.

Well - if needs must - and I'd like to see them argue back against an item of clothing