sickness and light duties at work

[SJH101]

I had to go off from work back in february as i injured my back during work. There was no major accident or incident involved, and no major trauma. It had occurred simply through repetition of the job. Constant in and out of the van with parcels, twisting, bending, carrying heavy loads, lifting, etc. I was off work for approximately 4 weeks with a facet sprain in my lower back. I paid privately for chiropractic treatment. I do seem to think that that injury has cleared now........however, ever since coming back to work, although i still wasn't right but felt well enough to come back in a do something, i have had this issue in the lower part of my back on the right which still hasn't gone. I have had some major issues with my knees due to me heavily relying on them because of my back, and also have developed sciatica in my left leg/buttock. Even now there have been times where I'm literally hobbling around.

I am still on reduced duties now, which consists of approximately 4 loops. No drive rounds, lapsed etc. These 4 loops literally take me all my time. I start at normal time, prep my own walk then take out my 4 loops and I'm done for my finishing time approximately. As a general rule what i take out i could normally do and have done in about 1.30/2 hrs. it now takes me approx 3.5/4.....I also can't bend properly at the minute so those with low letter boxes I have to knock on the door and pass mail, or bring it back. (I know these are an issue at the minute anyway)

Work and my line manger in general have been great so far.....which helps.....really understanding. This has affected me mentally as well so it helps that work have been understanding.

I am beginning to get a little concerned about how long this is dragging on with regards to work and my inability to do the required full amount of work. Obviously there will be a point when work want me back doing my full duty, which i totally understand, but I'm concerned that I won't be able to do it, or they will run out of patience and start pushing? This sort of thing has never happened to me before and I've been doing the job for 10 years without an issue. Im only 37 so I shouldn't be struggling like this. I'm reluctant to go off again for obvious reasons, however this has been partially discussed with my line manager. I believe I am currently on a stage 1 for this absence, so I'm not sure whether going off again for a period would trigger a stage 2 then stage 3. My understanding is that they do take things into consideration when on stage 3.......so its not a definite dismissal just because someone has reached a stage 3. I would like to think that was the case anyway?

Is there an official time period that RM allow for being on reduced duties? I can get doctors notes but they are not legally binding apparently. As time goes on, I'm getting increasing concerned that they are eventually just going to turn round and say 'if you can't do the job, you're going to have to go' Can they do that, or do they have an obligation to find me something else?

My line manger has asked if I wanted to involve OH, so things are a bit more official from both my side and works side. I thought this was I good idea as I can tell them what I am struggling with, and what I think are the things that are causing me issues.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[rogersh]

Sorry to hear of your dibilitating back pain. The only help I can give is a link to the Royal Mail Attendance procedure which should clarify the stage process etc.

https://www.cwusouthmidspostal.org/wp-c ... eement.pdf
Attendance Policy starts at page 18.

Annex 1
Page 24 shows a table of attendance standards required


HELP can be accessed by:
• Calling 0800 6888 777
• Visiting www.rmghelp.co.uk

[greengiant]

Bear in mind that OH works more for the employer, rather than the employee. Hopefully your referral to them won't bring you a step closer to IHR / Dismissal through capability grounds.

[iHateD2Ds]

Unfortunately,There’s is no quick fix
You are doing all the right things but it just takes time .

Regular Physiotherapy definitely helps and an OH referral can arrange this (though sessions maybe suspended due to Covid).
OH will put you in contact with a local Physio and is usually six sessions.
The physio will make a report and send it back to OH.

Other than that ,I would pay for ongoing chiropractor.
NHS physio’s unlike private tend not use the hands on approach- massage etc..

All the best.

[aiden01]

Unfortunately,There’s is no quick fix
You are doing all the right things but it just takes time .

Regular Physiotherapy definitely helps and an OH referral can arrange this (though sessions maybe suspended due to Covid).
OH will put you in contact with a local Physio and is usually six sessions.
The physio will make a report and send it back to OH.

Other than that ,I would pay for ongoing chiropractor.
NHS physio’s unlike private tend not use the hands on approach- massage etc..

All the best.

6 sessions lucky now get even reffered to ohs.