Taking Time Off For Back Problem?

Adamc

I've been having pain in my back and wondered about taking time off. I've done my absolute best to work ergonomically but it's been increasingly troubling me recently and has been severe today.
  
I'm regularly mobilising and doing recommended exercises when at home. Unfortunately the procedures I carry out at work require some leaning and the wearing of protective lead. 

Another issue is that my counterpart is off for Covid-related isolation meaning that I'm carrying a larger workload than normal. This has definitely exacerbated the problem. There will be junior staff who could cover the work but it would not be ideal and a struggle for the team. I feel bad for putting colleagues out and letting people down. 

If I did take the time off, are there any considerations regarding what to mention to HR? I was (perhaps irrationally) worried I could say something to make it sound like I had been careless or that it might affect future employment opportunities. 

I've not had time off in years and considering it makes me feel somewhat guilty. 

Thrugelmir

Either get signed off by a Doctor or take holiday leave. 

lcc86

As someone whos has chronic back pain for 4 years and worked through it most of the time for similar reasons to you, I wish I'd actually done things differently and looked after myself more. If you're not well, take time off sick and get yourself to a physio ASAP to prevent it becoming a bigger problem. Even if it's just a couple of days you need, take them, don't work through it and risk making it worse.

TELLIT01

The company being short staffed is not your problem, but your health is.  If you end up being totally unable to do the job you will be replaced without a second thought.  Have you spoken to your employer and told them that the additional work you are trying to do is having an adverse effect on your back?  If not, you need to so they have the opportunity to do something, possibly refer you for an Occupational Health assessment.  Speak to your GP and explain the situation if you are in serious pain now.

TBagpuss

If you can't work at all, take sick leave - however, if part of the problem is with specific tasks, it is possible to speak to your manager to ask whether you could supervise the more junior staff to do those tasks, as an alternative to being off altogether? Or ask your GP if they are able to give you a fit note which states that you are fit for light duties / excluding the specific tasks which cause you pain? This might enable you to work in a way which doesn't make your back worse, but also puts less strain on the rest of the tea, (OF course, if that's not an option, then look after yourself, and take the time off if you need it, but it might be an alternative option which would work for you and for employer!) 

TELLIT01

TBagpuss said:

If you can't work at all, take sick leave - however, if part of the problem is with specific tasks, it is possible to speak to your manager to ask whether you could supervise the more junior staff to do those tasks, as an alternative to being off altogether? Or ask your GP if they are able to give you a fit note which states that you are fit for light duties / excluding the specific tasks which cause you pain? This might enable you to work in a way which doesn't make your back worse, but also puts less strain on the rest of the tea, (OF course, if that's not an option, then look after yourself, and take the time off if you need it, but it might be an alternative option which would work for you and for employer!) 

The employer is not bound to act on such advice from a GP.  If the employer won't agree to light duties they can't be forced to.