Walking too much

matt8282

Can an employer request for you to walk for 12 hour shifts and for it to be considered reasonable?

For an example to walk for 1 hour and have 20 minutes away from walking and then repeating that cycle.
Im only asking as I am seeing colleagues struggle with poor feet conditions and complaining of aches due to a new procedure at work. In my opinion in those 12 hours 9 - 10 hours we are expected to be able to walk, with the 3 - 2 hours spare to do other duties which can contain walking?

Blatchford

matt8282 wrote: »

Can an employer request for you to walk for 12 hour shifts and for it to be considered reasonable?

For an example to walk for 1 hour and have 20 minutes away from walking and then repeating that cycle.
Im only asking as I am seeing colleagues struggle with poor feet conditions and complaining of aches due to a new procedure at work. In my opinion in those 12 hours 9 - 10 hours we are expected to be able to walk, with the 3 - 2 hours spare to do other duties which can contain walking?

If that is what the job entails, then yes, of course it is "reasonable". It is what the job is. If people have conditions which make it difficult to walk, then the most obvious answer is that they are in the wrong job and should really be looking for other employment.

Sea_Shell

If that's the job, that's the job!!

You need to get good, comfortable shoes and or insoles, if you're going to be on your feet all day. For anyone with foot problems, they really need to seek alternative employment.

Why do you think Nurses need comfortable shoes....when do they ever get to sit down on a 11 hour shift!!?

matt8282

Sorry I need to add, inbetween the walking, it is expected to be able to restrain people which could be up to an unlimitted amount of time. Its not just pain complaints I am hearing off, but also feeling fatigue. The shift pattern is 3 days 3 nights 3 off. Surely an employer has to make reasonable adjustments to workloads if 70 - 80% of the staff feel burnt out due to a new procedure?

coffeehound

That sounds like a bad work contract: Vote with your, er, feet.

FtbDreaming

Im a nurse... walk miles and miles over the 12.5 hours, its mentally and physically draining but its the job.

spadoosh

Never seen a postie sat down.

Pennywise

spadoosh wrote: »

Never seen a postie sat down.

Nor traffic wardens/car park attendants, nor cleaners.

lincroft1710

spadoosh wrote: »

Never seen a postie sat down.

They do when driving their vans between their different rounds. Or when they had bikes.

Blatchford

matt8282 wrote: »

Sorry I need to add, inbetween the walking, it is expected to be able to restrain people which could be up to an unlimitted amount of time. Its not just pain complaints I am hearing off, but also feeling fatigue. The shift pattern is 3 days 3 nights 3 off. Surely an employer has to make reasonable adjustments to workloads if 70 - 80% of the staff feel burnt out due to a new procedure?

No they don't. What they will need to do is recruit staff to replace the ones that leave.

Seriously, it may be that this is a role (some form of security?) where people need to be fit and healthy, but if that is the case then they need for and healthy workers. You aren't describing anything that doesn't apply to a lot of people in a lot of jobs.

Also, why is it your business anyway?

need_an_answer

OP ...What is the job...maybe you'll get some more structured advice when posters know what type of work you are actually asking for advice on.

My assumption is when you take the job you should be aware of whats involved and unless your employer has changed the spec significantly then the job was reasonable when you agreed to it...so presumably still reasonable.