Oh Assist Appointment

[sardonicus]

Hi a

I was unlucky enough to have a stroke which led me to be off work for nearly 7 months. I have now returned to work on a 3 day cover duty and my manager has agreed to a 6 week staged return 4 hours a day inside unit for 3 weeks, some delivery in week 4 and more and more in week 5 and 6, starting back on my full delivery on week 7. I gave a fit for work note supplied by my doctor on my return and then agreed to a staged return, and although, if a little hasty, it fits into that plan - though my doctor has told me if for any reason I find it too tough he will fill out another fit to work form to extend staged return.

I have been given an app at OH, which I wasnt asked to give my agreement to, I was told to go as if it was mandatory. However the apps avaliable are on my days off rather than a working day. I would estimate a travel to and travel back as well as the app time of about 3-4 hours as I cant drive there and have to get a train.

Can I insist to the Manager that the app is on a working day? And can I also insist that the app is representative of the 4 working hours I have that day? i.e I dont go in do 4 hours work and then go to app later in day - i just go to app?

Thanks

[hothothot]

Your Dom needs your permission for an oh assist consultation. He can't make an appointment without your permission. See your union rep if I were you. It clearly states this in royal mails sickness procedure.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Also, don't the usually do telephone assessments rather than in person.

My father had a stroke and I would suggest 4 hours travelling would be far too much if it was only 7 months ago. You have to be very careful with your health and I would definitely endorse the recommendation to see your rep, in fact I might suggest speaking to the Area Safety Rep and local H&S rep as this is more their field than a IR rep.

[rehabron]

Hi a

I was unlucky enough to have a stroke which led me to be off work for nearly 7 months. I have now returned to work on a 3 day cover duty and my manager has agreed to a 6 week staged return 4 hours a day inside unit for 3 weeks, some delivery in week 4 and more and more in week 5 and 6, starting back on my full delivery on week 7. I gave a fit for work note supplied by my doctor on my return and then agreed to a staged return, and although, if a little hasty, it fits into that plan - though my doctor has told me if for any reason I find it too tough he will fill out another fit to work form to extend staged return.

I have been given an app at OH, which I wasnt asked to give my agreement to, I was told to go as if it was mandatory. However the apps avaliable are on my days off rather than a working day. I would estimate a travel to and travel back as well as the app time of about 3-4 hours as I cant drive there and have to get a train.

Can I insist to the Manager that the app is on a working day? And can I also insist that the app is representative of the 4 working hours I have that day? i.e I dont go in do 4 hours work and then go to app later in day - i just go to app?

Thanks

The first question that will come from OH Assist is if you have consented to the appointment which according to your post you have not but it would be in your interests to continue with the appointment.
I am surprised that due to the nature and length of your absence you are only now being referred to OH Assist after you have returned to work and this should have been instigated some time previously.
It seems to me that your manager has originally accepted the phased return indicated in the GP " Fit Note" to save costs of an occupational health advisor referral but is now having second thoughts and wants the OH Assist report and rehabilitation plan to cover his rear end should problems ocurr and the buck does not stop at your manager.
The OH Assist appointment is work related and for their benefit therfore should be completed in working time and as you state the appointment should be arranged within your 4 hour day so request the appointment for then.
The rehabilitation plan incorporates weekly monitoring meetings to assess your progress on the work given and this includes a questionnaire on pain levels, capability and coping with the plan.
The individual catagories are based on numerical levels from 1-10 with 1 being that the rehabilitation plan requires adjustment for the following week and if continuing an extension to the phased return needs to be extended.
If you are concerned about the workload you are given you request a second referral to OH Assist and as posted your GP to complete a fresh " Fit Note".
You will be aware as has been mentioned several times that the employer can refuse to accept the GP and Occupational Health reports but you can consent for your GP and Oh Assist to contact each other to reach an agreement on how to proceed with the hours and content of your phased return.