returned to work - need help

willis999

Hi all, help me in this problem please.


I have just recently (Monday) returned to work after 9 weeks off sick with severe lower back pains.
Hurt my back whilst bending down stacking boxes at work, told my manager my back was really hurting me and i needed to see a doctor asap.
I left halfway threw my shift and went to see the doctor who advised me to take a week off rest and take co codamol tablets for 2 weeks. i did that, but pain seem to get worse, back stiffed up, so i returned to the doctor in more pain than before, this time the doctor fully examined me and said she was gong to refer me to a phisio and to have cat scan, as for the pain, she give me tramadol, eventually leading to morphine tablets, i kept telling my senior boss what was going on as my manager was being very abrupt about me taking more time off.
As i left in a rush due to the pain, i didn't enter anything into the accident book, so when i returned i asked another supervisor if i should enter this into the book, but he said no, you didn't really hurt yourself at work, but i feel that i did due to my job.
Before i returned to work i had asked to have light duties for couple of weeks as i was still in some pain and discomfort, this was denied, so i returned to the doctor and explained the situation at work and doc signed me off for a further 4 weeks, the doc had already signed me off for 5 weeks prior to this, 1 week at a time in separate visits.
So after a total of 9 weeks off i felt i need to return to work, so i asked the doctor for a fit note (manager said he would not allow me on site till i had one) and returned to work.
My manager just threw me in where I'd left, heavy lifting, bending etc.
i have started to feel victimized by this manager as he could swap me with someone who hasn't got to do as much lifting as i do in my job, he knows about my back trouble and he tells a supervisor to tell me to do certain jobs which involve me bending, stretching etc which is starting to really play my back up.
i feel i cant talk to this manager as his abrupt manner and bad attitude make him very unapproachable, i recently requested my contract again after asking on/off for last 3 years!
Can i refuse to do certain jobs if i feel its going to make my back bad again?
If it come to a point where i was putting in a claim for industrial injury,
1 would i even be able to claim anything?
2 would it need to be registered in the accident book?
My main manager (owner) seems genuinely concerned for me, but maybe it in-case i sue! he has told me to take it easy, don't lift anything excessive, but he's rarely there.
I dont want to have leave my job, but this becoming a real problem.
Any help would be great, thanks willis999

elvis1

I would go back to the main manger and tell him what the other boss is doing. The other boss is putting you and work colleagues in a dangerous situation especially if you dropped something because you couldnt lift it. Trouble is if you keep doing the job the other boss will think you are fit to do it. Dont end up crippling yourself for a numpty like this boss, have a funny turn whilst he is there and shout load about the pain that way someone will come over to help etc.

elantan

with the amount of time off is it not a RIDDOR situation now? your accident happened at work did it not ?

willis999

elantan wrote: »

with the amount of time off is it not a RIDDOR situation now? your accident happened at work did it not ?

Sorry dont understand, RIDDOR situation now?

Well my backpain had started at work, felt someting move in my back.

willis999

After doing some searching i came across this


http://www.backpainexpert.co.uk/getting-back-work-with-back-pain.html


Discussing Changes

Employers have a responsibility to look after their employees, and will need to carry out a return to work risk assessment after employees come back to work following back pain or injury. It is important for employers and employees to discuss any changes that need to be made to the workplace to help and support the individual with the back pain. This could include changes to desks and chairs (see ‘Setting Up Your Desk and Chair to Prevent Back Pain’), the addition of specialist equipment, for example lifting and handling aids, or changes to work processes. It could also include training on how to sit, stand and lift – this could be useful for all members of staff, not just the person with back pain.

If the back pain is because of a work injury, changes in the workplace could not only help the injured person but also help prevent other colleagues from suffering the same injury.
Some workplaces have in-house doctors, physiotherapists and health and safety advisors, and these experts should be involved in discussions over changes too.

Is this a legal requirement?

elantan

riddor is the recording of instances and dangerous diseases occurances ... as the accident happened at work ( and you were off for more than 3 days) your employed is legally obliged to report the incident using riddor ... this then causes the health and safety executive to be called in ...

when_will_it_end

willis999 wrote: »

After doing some searching i came across this


http://www.backpainexpert.co.uk/getting-back-work-with-back-pain.html


Discussing Changes

Employers have a responsibility to look after their employees, and will need to carry out a return to work risk assessment after employees come back to work following back pain or injury. It is important for employers and employees to discuss any changes that need to be made to the workplace to help and support the individual with the back pain. This could include changes to desks and chairs (see ‘Setting Up Your Desk and Chair to Prevent Back Pain’), the addition of specialist equipment, for example lifting and handling aids, or changes to work processes. It could also include training on how to sit, stand and lift – this could be useful for all members of staff, not just the person with back pain.

If the back pain is because of a work injury, changes in the workplace could not only help the injured person but also help prevent other colleagues from suffering the same injury.
Some workplaces have in-house doctors, physiotherapists and health and safety advisors, and these experts should be involved in discussions over changes too.

Is this a legal requirement?

more or less yes it is a legal requirement have a look on the HSA web site, at least they should be doing a risk assessment and making any reasonable alterations to your work place

is there another job you could do which does not involve lifting stretching ect....

nimbo

i thought that you had either a year and a day or a year less a day to enter an accident in the accident book....

get it in there, and make a point of putting access to the book was denied on your return to work...

hope you feel better soon.