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Posted By satin
Hi, everyone. I've tried searching sites for this but i couldn't find anything specific on this matter so all replies will be helpful.
I work in retail in which during our shifts everyone has to have a security radio that is attached to a headset. The problem is that most of the staff find the headsets very irritatating and really hurts our ears. We have spoken to our store manager about this and he told us that we MUST wear the headsets when working and doesnt care if it hurts our ears.
We all share headsets and noone has their own set headsets. I find it very disgusting that we have to share something that may be dirty.
Does anyone know if there is a health & safety regulation regarding this?
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Posted By Merv Newman
There is quite often a problem with "shared" PPE. The problem is usually one of cross-infection (I've got a cold, you've got my cold)
The question of "comfort" is something else.
Obviously this is legally a problem for the employer but a lot of employers don't want to know.
If that is your problem and the employer will not listen then, in self defense, I suggest that you buy some disinfectant wipes and do over the earpiece before you put it on.
Comfort ? You could, at your own expense, I regret, buy some foam rubber protectors. You can get them for i-pod or mp3 players. Or, actually, some people have told me that a bit of skin cream (nivea ?) is a great help. Especially with ear plugs.
Sorry that my suggestions may cost you a little bit but we have to acknowledge that some employers are real (can I use some asterisks here, please ?)(8 will do)
Merv
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Posted By satin
Its about both really - comfort and infection. i suppose we just have to realise that we have to wear it.
Thanks
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Posted By Bennie
Hi - it is stated in the PPE regs that the individual has to be taken into account. Reason behind this is that if the required equipment does not suit, or fit the individual then they may not wear it.
Under the HASAWA - employees have a duty to work safely and to cooperate with employers - this also takes into account any complaints the employee has about the way the employer wants the work done, and the procedures and equipment in use to do the job.
I suspect that your employer is possibly breaching legislation if they are enforcing sharing equipment if no hygiene policy in place. Remember, health and safety includes personal welfare as well as the physical risks to employees.
If you are unable to reason with the employer, try contacting the HSE direct with your complaint - they are there to advise and can force employers to change their attitudes.
Sorry for the rant but this situation is typical of things that happen in many work places and we need to get it sorted.
Good luck.
Bennie
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Posted By Kate Graham
HSE isn't the enforcing agency for retail, it will be the local authority.
I don't think there's much mileage in the legislation approach - it would be best to put a reasonable solution to the employer and ask them to implement it.
Kate
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Posted By GT
Suggest that the store manager participates in wearing the same .........he will be able to stay in touch with what is going on and understand the issue.
GT
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Posted By Raymond Rapp
If one of your colleagues had a flu virus or something similar, your boss would be more appreciative if you all went sick due to the unhealthy practice of sharing PPE.
Regards
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Posted By satin
The manager never wears so he won't know what all the staff have to go through. Its not our store, others stores have to wear headsets too.
I think i'm going to write an email to head offoce, they usually reply back with a solution.
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Posted By Merv Newman
I think Ray has a good idea ; "let's all go for a sickie" but we have to acknowledge that lots of employers don't give a monkey's for H&S
And lots of employees are just stuck with it.
I don't like it. You don't like it. They don't like it. But it happens. Be real, people. It is no good quoting legislation to a boss who can't give a toss. Do that and you are on the dole.
Self-protection is often the only answer. Foam rubber MP3 pads and a bit of Nivea.
OK. I know the law, the legislation, the regulations. But if you are the 97th person to be employed this year in that shop are you going to argue your rights ?
Merv
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Posted By Mike Herbert
Quick question is this PPE in the proper sense or work equipment? ie a radio to communicate between shop floor and stock rooms.
mike
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Posted By Merv Newman
Mike,
I don't think Satin was talking about PPE (though the rest of us got sidetracked, as usual)
We are, though, talking about "work equipment" which, apparently, is not ergonomically sound. (I thought I'd get a big word in somewhere) It is rather like an uncomfortable chair.
Do you moan to the boss and threaten him/her with a law suit or do you buy a cushion ?
Wanna be self-employed ?
Merv
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