Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

[akgm]

Hi all. I am a 49 year old female. Just joined Royal mail as a casual christmas worker. Work involves mail sorting. Been there three weeks and on wednesday (christmas eve) i was asked to help on a different section that involves lifting heavy sacks carrying magazines.

I had an accident 10 years ago and cracked my coccyx. Have had back problems since then and any physical work can cause extreme pain in my back. If i ask to be put on mail sorting section I can be asked to go home (being a casual worker).

The management doesn't seem to care. I don't know what to do in this situation.

Any help with references to employment rights would be greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

[Kati]

Re: Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

Hi Akgm ... I'm sure someone knowledgeable will be along to advise as soon as they can :santa_wink:

Kati x

[leclerc]

Re: Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

Are you through an agency or through Royal Mail directly? Was this condition disclosed on employment to Royal Mail?

[akgm]

Re: Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

Hi. Its through Royal mail directly and it wasn't mentioned as it wasn't asked about.

[wales01man]

Re: Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

If you never were asked and did not tell them they would expect I would think that you are fit to lift, if a sack or parcel was to heavy I would expect you to refuse or ask for help.
not being rude but what do you want from this?

[akgm]

Re: Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

I asked but was told i cant move to another section. What i want from this is that can I refuse to work on that section and not be sent home? (With the help of some point in the law?)

[wales01man]

Re: Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

how long have you worked there? are there other sections where there are vacancies where you can work.
they must have a handbook or info available that outlines their safety policy you should no be put in a position where you can injure yourself if you warn them maybe in writing of your problems with your back would expect they would change your job if another was available.

Have you a Union rep there?

[akgm]

Re: Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

Good point. Thanks

This is my fourth week ending today. Ill tell them and email them too.

[teaboy2]

Re: Bad-back worker forced to lift heavy sacks

Am a little perplexed that the Royal mail didn't ask about any previous/current physical or medical conditions you may have in the job application form, as standard practice! Especially given their is likely to be a lot of heavy lifting involved!