Change of role and Occupational Health query
Change of role and Occupational Health query
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Discussion

Smurfsarepeopletoo

Original Poster:

947 posts

74 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
Morning,

Hoping someone can offer me some help and advice.

I work for a Telecoms company, when I started, my role was just doing service and install work at the property.

Recently the role has changed to include pulling cables to the property underground, and doing the installs as a single job.

This role involves digging gardens, lifting pits, cutting concrete and tarmac etc, so alot more labour intensive than my previous role.

Back in 2023 I had a heart attack, I spoke to OH and agreed a custom shift pattern, which had me working shorter shifts, but the same amount of hours a week.

When the role changed, I agreed to come off the custom shift pattern, to enable me to do this work, however, about 9 weeks ago, I had another heart attack, I signed the form agreeing for OH to contact me, however, 9 weeks later, I have heard nothing, and I started back to work this week.

First question is, should work make me speak to OH before putting me back on full duties?

Secondly, the new team has gone to 1 van for 2 people, this will mean I will just be passenger in this van, but will be a nightmare for things like hospital appointments, as it would possibly mean both of us being out of the work for a full morning or afternoon, depending on the time of the appointment, and where we are working.

Would requesting to keep my van be classed as a reasonable adjustment?

Thanks

Mortarboard

10,461 posts

72 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
It could be a reasonable accomodation. It would also be reasonable for them to ask you, where possible, to schedule outside of work hours

Have a chat with OH and see. Compromise os the key to everyone being happy (or at least, as happy as can be!)

You say you are back to work 9 weeks after your latest heart attack. Were you cleared medically? (Contrary to popular belief it's not an insurance thing)

M.

Smurfsarepeopletoo

Original Poster:

947 posts

74 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
I was signed fit to return by the doctor, but there was no discussion about my role at work, it was just a formality really.

Mortarboard

10,461 posts

72 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
Smurfsarepeopletoo said:
I was signed fit to return by the doctor, but there was no discussion about my role at work, it was just a formality really.
Great thumbup

OH may just have been informed you were cleared to return to work, and not needed any interaction with you to allow that.

M