Lack of space around desk...what can I do?

ironlady2022

Hi

Strange dilemma but I am moving office tomorrow and have been told that I will be sat in a corner with 4 other desks surrounding me. Basically in order for me to leave my desk, I must disturb 2 other people. To my left is a partition wall which was put in a few weeks ago which does not serve any purpose and my desk is touching it.

To cut a long story short, the Production Manager who measured the new office has proper messed things up to put it in a polite way. It's ok for him and my other Manager as they have their own rooms. i'm not clastrophobic in any way but I'm always on and off my feet as I work in production and we have a production floor too. Is there anything I can do to complain? None of my other colleagues are in my position? I've only been there 3 months too

paddedjohn

3 months, if you think you are indespensible then make a fuss otherwise just plod on. If you have to get up often enough and are disturbing others then they will soon start to complain about the situation without you having to look like a moaner.;)

MissSarah1972

I thought it was everyones responsibilty for health and safety in the workplace.

When desks are moved/set up etc there should be an assesment of the area and how people would get out in an emergency etc.

I would maybe bring up any concerns to HR?

mynameistallulah

MissSarah1972 wrote: »

I thought it was everyones responsibilty for health and safety in the workplace.

When desks are moved/set up etc there should be an assesment of the area and how people would get out in an emergency etc.

I would maybe bring up any concerns to HR?

If there was an emergency, I imagine the people at the other desks would be moving too!

Tiddlywinks

I'm sure the two people that have to keep moving to let you in and out will start moaning soon enough.

Until then, just smile and carry on and let someone else raise the issue - after all, you are only working with what you've been given.

ironlady2022

paddedjohn: I was thinking the same too. 1 f the 2 ppl I will be distrubing, I can imagine her to be miffed about it though I really get on with her. But hopefully she wil complain too.

MissSarah1972: You would have thought about this H+S, except no, he measured it countless times and finally he got it wrong. He also only realised he has the smaller of the rooms-what an idiot!

ironlady2022

Tiddlywinks, you would think that is the case but I ill probably resolve to leaving my desk less. This is such a farce!

MissSarah1972

mynameistallulah wrote: »

If there was an emergency, I imagine the people at the other desks would be moving too!

fair enough if you think that but you have to have a so much space between you and a wall and a clear route to the fire escape.

MissSarah1972

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

I'm sure the two people that have to keep moving to let you in and out will start moaning soon enough.

Until then, just smile and carry on and let someone else raise the issue - after all, you are only working with what you've been given.

the OP will probably be told not to get up so often:D

ironlady2022

That's the thing, knowing me, I will get up less in order to not disturb others. But not happy at all. Think worst thing is, we were not consulted at all and we are the ones who are moving!

BobQ

OP - you do have rights under the health and safety regulations (see below) but enforcing them may be difficult. If you have to keep disturbing them, they may suggest you swop places?

Legally under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 you are entitled to have 11 cubic metres of space per person in a room more depending on the layout of the room. If you use a computer for a significant proportion of time you have other rights as a Display Screen Equipment user, including an appropriate computer chair with room to manouevre it to use the workstation in comfort and a suitable means of escape in an emergency. See the summary in:

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg244.pdf