Workplace health issue

Zazen999

I've heard some nonsense ridiculous employer demands in my time; but this has to be one of the worst!

They have a duty of care under the H&S@ work act 1974 -
Your rights

Your rights as an employee to work in a safe and healthy environment are given to you by law, and generally can't be changed or removed by your employer. The most important rights are:

• as far as possible, to have any risks to your health and safety properly controlled
• to be provided, free of charge, with any personal protective and safety equipment
• if you have reasonable concerns about your safety, to stop work and leave your work area, without being disciplined
• to tell your employer about any health and safety concerns you have
• to get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your local authority if your employer won't listen to your concerns, without being disciplined
• to have rest breaks during the working day, to have time off from work during the working week, and to have annual paid holiday

• Frequently Asked Questions about health and safety Opens new window

• Employers' health and safety responsibilities

• Breaks, working time and holidays

Your responsibilities

Your most important responsibilities as an employee are:

• to take reasonable care of your own health and safety
• if possible avoid wearing jewellery or loose clothing if operating machinery
• if you have long hair or wear a headscarf, make sure it's tucked out of the way (it could get caught in machinery)
• to take reasonable care not to put other people - fellow employees and members of the public - at risk by what you do or don't do in the course of your work
• to co-operate with your employer, making sure you get proper training and you understand and follow the company's health and safety policies
• not to interfere with or misuse anything that's been provided for your health, safety or welfare
• to report any injuries, strains or illnesses you suffer as a result of doing your job (your employer may need to change the way you work)
• to tell your employer if something happens that might affect your ability to work (eg becoming pregnant or suffering an injury). Because your employer has a legal responsibility for your health and safety, they may need to suspend you while they find a solution to the problem, but you will normally be paid if this happens
• if you drive or operate machinery, to tell your employer if you take medication that makes you drowsy - they should temporarily move you to another job if they have one for you to do.

I can't see having a blanket over your knees being in contravention of any of the above; and with a doctor's letter to back it up, they are being very very petty over this.

Fluffi

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..

Thermals aren't really underwear though ... or if they are then are a lot of people are breakfast wearing only their underwear when they go skiing

rupee99

Whatever the legalties of the situation are, and I agree they can be most absurd, where has common sense gone? Unless the blanket is a danger to the OP or his/her colleagues or visitors to the office, a circumstance that it is difficult to imagine, why would they want to prevent its use?

In front of an Industrial Tribunal they would have a very difficult time defending their position.

I totally agree with teabelly the manager must have had his own blankie taken away as a child which has made him such a complete twerp, in fact safe to say he is uncircumscised as he is a complete p***k.

TheMidnightOwl

rupee99 wrote: »

Whatever the legalties of the situation are, and I agree they can be most absurd, where has common sense gone? Unless the blanket is a danger to the OP or his/her colleagues or visitors to the office, a circumstance that it is difficult to imagine, why would they want to prevent its use?

In front of an Industrial Tribunal they would have a very difficult time defending their position.

I totally agree with teabelly the manager must have had his own blankie taken away as a child which has made him such a complete twerp, in fact safe to say he is uncircumscised as he is a complete p***k.

Thank you for the feedback. I am inclined to agree with you as i have used a blanket for almost three years of working there. and for some reason, now my blanket is a problem.. I will ask the reason but i know will they will come back and say i wasnt given permission to use it in the first place.. which is true.. I didnt think i needed permission to be honest.. I took it home with me after every shift. so it has never been left laying around the office.. a girl in work last week got a verbal warning for yawning.. i feel i'm capable of standing up for myself.. but wondering if its worth it as even if i get to keep my blanket they will make it very difficult for me in work.. they will see my keeping my blanket as defiance.. They couldnt be more wrong.. i just want to come in, do my job and go home without pain..

TheMidnightOwl

Fluffi wrote: »

Thermals aren't really underwear though ... or if they are then are a lot of people are breakfast wearing only their underwear when they go skiing

Thermals isnt really the issue, which i have tried btw..

Bogof_Babe

If your blanket has been in daily use for three years, I assume you have washed it in that time. Is it starting to look tatty, or offensive in any other way?

TheMidnightOwl

teabelly wrote: »

I'm sorry your boss is a complete a hole OP! Clearly this twerp had his blankie taken away from him when he was younger. A recession and lack of other jobs is no excuse for abusing an employee with such petty behaviour.

Have you tried leg warmers up and over your knees instead of a blanket?

I havent tried leg warmers at work, for the reason being, another employee wore them and was told to remove them.. Reason given was they look ridiculous

Bogof_Babe

Does your job involve meeting the public?

TheMidnightOwl

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

If your blanket has been in daily use for three years, I assume you have washed it in that time. Is it starting to look tatty, or offensive in any other way?

I have 8 blankets, i use a blanket a couple of days then change it..all neutral colours.. so no.. all fresh smelling.. none tatty.. so when i say blanket i'm not referring to "a blanket" they all small enough to go over my knees and dont drape on the floor

ckerrd

TheMidnightOwl wrote: »

I havent tried leg warmers at work, for the reason being, another employee wore them and was told to remove them.. Reason given was they look ridiculous

And what a ridiculous reason.