Going Back On Rehab

[Sparrowhawk]

After 3 months off with back pain and sciatica , I'm going back to work tonight on rehab . It's a strict rehab which is indefinite and involves working for no more than 4 hours , strictly no lifting , pushing yorks , alts or anything , no bending or leaning over , and I must be allowed to stand up and walk about regularly while I'm sitting sorting letters or flats. This was the reccomendation made by OHS , which RM have agreed to. They have also agreed to pay for me to have a private MRI scan as it's taking too long to get an NHS one. I was given the choice of which shift I went on , and chose nightshift , which I hold my duty on anyway. I was also given the choice of whether I waited until Monday to start back , or tonight. I've been so fed up stuck in the house for the last 3 months , so I'm really looking forward to getting back to work and catching up with people I haven't seen for ages . I've got letters from my doctor and my chiropracter , as back up , stating what I can or cannot do , and I'm going to speak to my union rep as soon as I get there. Roll on 10-30pm !

[leader]

Be aware that as you have returned to work, royal mail will hold you responsible if you cause yourself further injury.

Dangerous ground mate. I always tell my members not fit for full duties then not fit to be at work.

[Sparrowhawk]

Thanks leader. I'll make sure I cover everything in detail with my rep , who is also our H&S officer. That's also why I have letters from my doc and chiropracter. Then if I'm asked to do something I shouldn't , I can show any manager these letters. I'm in a mail centre so there are hundreds of other staff who can do the heavier work. As the rehab was recommended by OHS , then I'll make sure I stick rigidly to the rules they have set. . I'm just looking forward to getting back.

[Lounge Lizard]

lassie. Why not ask if you can work as a manager, there's normally plenty of vacancies, it's not physically demanding and it's more dosh !

[brothermagrew]

Thanks leader. I'll make sure I cover everything in detail with my rep , who is also our H&S officer. That's also why I have letters from my doc and chiropracter. Then if I'm asked to do something I shouldn't , I can show any manager these letters. I'm in a mail centre so there are hundreds of other staff who can do the heavier work. As the rehab was recommended by OHS , then I'll make sure I stick rigidly to the rules they have set. . I'm just looking forward to getting back.

A wee slight correction sister with regards to health and safety they are reps as well, the only one that I know of who is an officer is our Union's National Health, Safety & Environment Officer namely Dave Joyce (the topman for health and safety within the Union). Fraid I can't agree with leader's comments as the company are nearly always held to be vicariously liable for any injuries that their employees may sustain although the first thing companies always look at in personal injury cases is a term called 'contributory negligence'.

Take care lass.

[Sparrowhawk]

Thanks for the replies . brothermacgrew , my mistake He's the guy who goes round the floor with the shift manager , doing H&S "tour" if that makes sense . Anyway , my union/H&S rep is aware of my situation and said if I have any problems , I've to speak to him. I've got a copy of my rehab programme as well as letters from my doctor and chiropracter. My doctor said if I have any problems with managers trying to get me to do more before I am fit enough , he will sign me off again immediately. My first week back was good. Everyone , staff and managers are being very good. Helping me out whenever needed. I really appreciate the help everyone is giving me. It's hard having to rely on people like this as I've always been fit and healthy, now there's not a lot I can do for myself and it gets me down a bit. The help I get from everyone at work makes this easier to deal with. I was in a bit more pain this week , as I'm doing more than I have in the last 3 months. I expected that and it will take a couple of weeks for my body to get used to a new routine , but over all , it's great being back at work , it takes away that feeling of being useless. I'm looking forward now to resting over the weekend and going back to work again on Monday night .