Desk Support

[Scrubs1]

Hi, all only me!
Could anyone advise on what sort of seating at work can make me a bit more comfortable.
I have myopathy in my feet, and it is getting to the point, where the shooting pains are going up my legs.
My stool is too low, and I could do with some foot support. I know my route is Occ Health, but they are naff, sorry no they are not, but they i believe will not know how to advise me.
I am sorry if this is a boring post, but some advice would be great or a link to a site on seating arrangements for many others and my condition.
If I get some advice, I can ask for support from my work, and pretend I know what I am talking about.
Thank you

 

[Stitch147]

Do you have a DSE assessor where you work?

Also, I dont know what your company are like (I know mine are really good) at helping with regards to reasonable adjustments in the workplace. They should be able to provide you with correct seats, foot rests, adjustable desks etc to make your work life more comfortable.

 

[Scrubs1]

Hi,
I work for a local authority.
Not sure what a DSE assessor is?
They are usually good with reasonable adjustments, but very naive and like many local authorities, they plead poverty.
Thank you

 

[Stitch147]

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/

This link might be of some help. DSE assessors should be in the work place and the will be able to assess individuals needs as to equipment needed.

 

[Scrubs1]

Nice one
Thank you

 

[Amigo]

Hi Scrubs, good link from Stitch but you (and your employer) may be entitled to financial help and advice in paying for practical assistance and equipment at work under the Govt. Access to Work Scheme. I've had staff with disabilities approach them in the past (LA) and receive help. Good luck!

http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/access-to-work-practical-help-at-work

 

[Scrubs1]

Thank you.
Typical of my employer, I have checked,and we do a self assessment.
I only know my ailments, not how to treat them.

 

[Scrubs1]

Thank you Amigo & Stich147 & anyone else who posts good advice.I really appreciate it

 

[Caroline]

does your firm have a health and safety officer? some are very helpful so it might be worth talking to them or the union safety rep or some one responsible for staff welfare. Also try the HSE as they have loads of advice.

 

[Scrubs1]

Hi ,I have completed a DSE self - assessment form.
I send it to my manager.
who refers me to Occupational Health.Thats were I am currently at.
Thank you all for the advice.

 

[pottersusan]

It's usually cheaper for an employer to ensure you're comfortable than to have the costs associated with you going off sick! I had to do a workstation assessment online - which resulted in no one else being able to pinch my chair and a foot rest.

 

[Scrubs1]

Nice one.
For me it's a case of waiting.
The question will be,"why are you asking now" well because it is getting more progressive.
A higher chair and a good foot rest, maybe just what the doctor ordered.
We will see

 

[Highlander]

In another life, part of my job was the office DSE bod. Went on several courses and quite enjoyed it. All new members of staff were given advice on how to sit properly and assessed to see if they needed any special equipment. The most requested items were wrist supports and foot rests, all kept in stock. One person had sever neck and back problems and even ended up with a special chair, which had alsorts of adjustments on it, including an air bag lumber support. I found it very comfortable.

 

[Scrubs1]

Sweet, the thought of that paradise chair. I may even enjoy going to work. #Dreams

 

[KookyCat]

Access to work are brilliant (Amigo mentioned them), I had a chap on my team with Ankylosing Spondylitis and they came in talked to him about recommended all the right equipment. The other option is ask your GP, they can refer you to occupational therapists or similar (depends what your CCG has in place). They can tell you what they recommend then you can present it to your company. Local authorities are bad at this sort of stuff (used to work for one myself many moons ago) but they generally respond quite well to the "I need this" approach because you've done the work for them. Hope you get it sorted 🙂

 

[Scrubs1]

Thanks Cat

 

[AJLang]

I can't offer specific advice but I also found Access to Work to be extremely helpful when I neede equipment at work.

 

[Scrubs1]

Thanks AJ
I will see what Occupational health say, and take it from there. Yet while they go through the red tape and procedure,I will just carry on with the discomfort.