Will I be able to drive?

Hootie19

I am having an operation on my left foot on Thursday.

I am taking Thursday, Friday and Monday off work and starting back again on Tuesday. The consultant, when I saw him, said I'd need two weeks off, but I can't see why. I can just as easily sit on my butt on my office chair, as sit on my sofa at home. And at work, I have people to make me cups of tea, whereas at home I'd have to fend for myself :rotfl:. Plus, on Tuesday I am starting officially in my "new" job (that I've been doing as a temp for eight months) and really don't want my first two or three weeks there to be sick leave.

Anyhoooooo . . . . I've just suddenly wondered if I will legally be able to drive? My car is an automatic, so I don't use my left foot while driving. I will have a surgical boot on my left foot though. I have no idea how big or cumbersome these are - I am asking the question based on it not being capable of interfering with my using the other pedals.

But is there any reason why I shouldn't drive?

rsvtoddy

I had an inflatable boot after a fractured/dislocated left ankle and the consultant said as long as I could get into the car and take the boot off I could drive my manual car.

Can't see any problem with an auto but check with the doctor/consultant to be sure.

Mustard_Dave

rsvtoddy wrote: »

I had an inflatable boot after a fractured/dislocated left ankle and the consultant said as long as I could get into the car and take the boot off I could drive my manual car.

Can't see any problem with an auto but check with the doctor/consultant to be sure.

^ This.

I'd be very surprised if the consultant said no, but it is always best to cover yourself.

Gene_Hunt_2

Driving aside, if you medically unfit to be at work, will you be covered if you had an accident at work?

wba31

Gene_Hunt wrote: »

Driving aside, if you medically unfit to be at work, will you be covered if you had an accident at work?

Under our new and much loved health and safety jokes, i mean laws, i know with my employer, and i too have a desk job, if i were to be in work with a plaster cast on, thus requiring crutches or temporary walking stick, i would be sent home until they are not required as i would be a risk in case of a fire..! i didnt know bandages were so flammable...

Mark_Hewitt

But then they have disabled people in offices too. I would imagine it would just be a matter of informing the person responsible for fire safety that you may need assistance to exit in event of a fire.

Gene_Hunt_2

Mark_Hewitt wrote: »

But then they have disabled people in offices too. I would imagine it would just be a matter of informing the person responsible for fire safety that you may need assistance to exit in event of a fire.

I agree but the OP isn't disabled and it's all about fitness to be at work so why does the consultant say no?

Mustard_Dave

wba31 wrote: »

Under our new and much loved health and safety jokes, i mean laws, i know with my employer, and i too have a desk job, if i were to be in work with a plaster cast on, thus requiring crutches or temporary walking stick, i would be sent home until they are not required as i would be a risk in case of a fire..! i didnt know bandages were so flammable...

It is nothing to do with health and safety laws - it is employers' being over cautious. The risk in the event of the fire relates to your ability to be able to evacuate. As long as the employer undertakes a simple risk assessment that addresses the matter, there is no reason you cannot do any job a medical professional deems you fit to do.

Gene_Hunt_2

Hootie19 wrote: »

The consultant, when I saw him, said I'd need two weeks off,

Mustard_Dave wrote: »

It is nothing to do with health and safety laws - it is employers' being over cautious. The risk in the event of the fire relates to your ability to be able to evacuate. As long as the employer undertakes a simple risk assessment that addresses the matter, there is no reason you cannot do any job a medical professional deems you fit to do.

I agree, but with reference to the OP?

wba31

Mustard_Dave wrote: »

It is nothing to do with health and safety laws - it is employers' being over cautious. The risk in the event of the fire relates to your ability to be able to evacuate. As long as the employer undertakes a simple risk assessment that addresses the matter, there is no reason you cannot do any job a medical professional deems you fit to do.

Regardless, my point that i obviously didnt make clear enough was that OP probably needs to check with his employer on their stance...
I personally could do my job with not much of my body being able, but that's besides the point...

Mustard_Dave

wba31 wrote: »

Regardless, my point that i obviously didnt make clear enough was that OP probably needs to check with his employer on their stance...
I personally could do my job with not much of my body being able, but that's besides the point...

Sorry, I just answered the OP's question about driving earlier. It is perfectly fine to go in work with an injury, provided the employer ensures the employees recovery isn't jeopardised and any lack of mobility has been considered. If the consultant signs you off, then the employer cannot allow you back. You can however discuss the matter with your consultant who may write a note saying light duties are permitted.