Occupational health phone call imminent, advice please?

[curryisforlife]

Hi, I'm off sick at the moment (X-ray next week for suspected arthritis). My DOM phoned me yesterday to tell me that OH would be phoning me next week to 'discuss things'. What can I expect them to ask? Will they try to trip me up? I don't really want IHR just yet. I would be quite happy to carry on for a few years yet (I'm 60) but on an easier walk. Can I reasonably ask RM for an easier walk if I'm diagnosed with arthritis?

[rottathehutlet]

I have been off since the start of October and was diagnosed with arthritis in December. I had my first OH call in December and they were very understanding and helpful. They sent a report to the DOM saying that I am covered by the equality act and I cannot currently perform the full OPG role. I have got a follow up appointment in a couple of hours. Don't worry at all - they are very supportive and they are not 'on Royal Mail's side' as some people seem to think. Good luck

[curryisforlife]

Thanks rottatthehutlet, much appreciated. So, are you planning on going back on lighter duties eventually? Is that feasible?

[rottathehutlet]

I work in a very small office, so light duties don't really exist. Depending what is said during my follow up call (in about 10 mins), I think that RM will have to do a scoping exercise to see if they can find me another job within commuting distance. If not, it looks like IHR, which I really don't want. I'm 58, so getting another job could be quite difficult.

[curryisforlife]

rottathehutlet, how did your call go? Positive news I hope ;-)

[rottathehutlet]

She was very helpful. I can't say too much on here at the moment, but all is good. Good luck with your OH appointment - it will be fine!

[1617mel]

hello
im currently off [since 16th december] , serious thigh injury , busy time then, banged into a cylinder tube packet sticking out the back of a york ,felt the squelch, didnt realise what would occur, bleeding inside the wound, penicillin for a fortnight inflamed thigh, could not put any weight on the leg for over 4 weeks, excruciating pain ,slowly managed to heal, went back to work, though still on doctors medical line,lasted 5 days during which i took a fall and banged my hip , during this period i also felt occcurence of the original wound , ended up back to square 1, still off , cant walk properly
DOM called . OH is going to call me soon, although thats me been off now since 16th dec. its less than 3 months, dont think they want me absent much longer , feel that IHR will be offered, dont know what that amounts to, or that is the way i want to go, how long will they give me, feel if i go back to soon , my thigh will break down again, my knees are feeling the walk as well now,was taking 400mg ibruprofen each day, before i went out on delivery. 63 next birthday never had illness like this before.

[wheresourmoney]

Hey curryisforlife, you have nothing to worry about buddy, i've had a few calls with them and they were always polite and sympathetic