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N Chetter  
#1 Posted : 28 August 2012 11:06:17(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Guest

I am the company's DSE assessor amongst other roles and responsibilities, as a result I have just had to undertake a DSE ssessment for a colleague who has had serious spinal surgery which has fused most of her spine as a result all the standard chair/advice means she is suffering lots of pain still, I have asked Occupational Health for their advice as well but in the meantime can any one else offer any further advice or things I should consider?

I have swaped her chair, raised monitor, got her a footrest, anything else?

she has advised me that using a heat pad would help with the pain and reduce risk of draughts affecting her (a regular occurance given age and construction of building) but I will need to seek approval to agree to this as I imagine it will need to be pat tested or new brought?

Thanks for taking the time to read, I greatly appreciate any advice and support offered
A Kurdziel  
#2 Posted : 28 August 2012 11:21:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

Have you or your OH people contacted ‘Acess To Work’ through the Job Centre. They are useful as they provide both advice and will help pay for any adjustments (used to be about 50%).
As to what the person needs, I’d wait until you get information back from OH. They should be able to advise on exactly what you need. There is no point going off and buying stuff that you think they might only to find that it ends up in a cupboard gathering dust; I know I have done this.
Bob Shillabeer  
#3 Posted : 28 August 2012 12:13:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Bob Shillabeer

I had a similar thing in my last place of work and feel I must comment on this one. Carryout a simple DSE assessment and note the problems you find, there may be more than simply the seating. There are many specialist companies who can supply a suitable chair but these can be very expensive. The main thing that worries me is the thought that you will need to undertake some sort of PAT on the heat pads that the person concerned wants. The case in my last place of work also used a heat pad but I deemed that PAT was not required as this type of kit comes double insulated and with proper care maintenance and inspection is unlikely to present a risk. Set up a regular inspection regime and act immediately on any signs of defect and the problem will become very minor.
Lawlee45239  
#4 Posted : 28 August 2012 12:17:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Lawlee45239

N Chetter wrote:
I am the company's DSE assessor amongst other roles and responsibilities, as a result I have just had to undertake a DSE ssessment for a colleague who has had serious spinal surgery which has fused most of her spine as a result all the standard chair/advice means she is suffering lots of pain still, I have asked Occupational Health for their advice as well but in the meantime can any one else offer any further advice or things I should consider?

I have swaped her chair, raised monitor, got her a footrest, anything else?

she has advised me that using a heat pad would help with the pain and reduce risk of draughts affecting her (a regular occurance given age and construction of building) but I will need to seek approval to agree to this as I imagine it will need to be pat tested or new brought?

Thanks for taking the time to read, I greatly appreciate any advice and support offered



Keep in contact with the end user, get her to try out a number of different chairs to see what suits, she herself will know best.
bob youel  
#5 Posted : 28 August 2012 12:52:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

In addition to the excellent advice already given I would bring in a specialist ergonomist [your Occ Health should have this area covered] as day to day DSE risk assessment is completely different to what you are looking at
bilbo  
#6 Posted : 28 August 2012 13:09:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bilbo

Having undergone spinal fusion I know things need to be handled carefully for your lady. It might seem a stupid question but has she been signed off as fit for work - if so, the first port of call is the Occ Health Physician as there is likely to be some fairly major changes needed to the workplace. Without wishing to appear rude, I doubt very much that you have the necessary skills as a DSE assessor to be of much help - as bob has indicated the services of a specialist ergonomist are most likely called for. Depending on how recently the surgery has been, also be prepared for the requirements to change as your lady comes to terms with any restrictions she may have on her mobility - there is likely to be some things that she can no longer manage, even silly things like picking up a dropped pen from the floor.
jontyjohnston  
#7 Posted : 28 August 2012 13:20:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jontyjohnston

Have to agree with Bob.

Quite literally just out of a meeting to discuss a member of staff recovering from major back surgery. We had an ergonomist in to do a more detailed assessment, they suggested 3 possible types of chair, on 2nd one now as the 1st one didn't work. Also, a height adjustable desk to allow the individual to stand as necessary. We deemed that a few thousand euro's was "reasonably practicable" in the circumstances.
N Chetter  
#8 Posted : 28 August 2012 13:32:30(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Guest

Thank You all, for your replies and for being willing to take time out of your busy lives to assist me.

I have involved Access to Work & Occupational Health (OH suggested that a prompt assessment be undertaken but limited their advice to this at present), Access tp work have carried out an assessment and I am awaiting to know what their recommendations are,

I didn't think the Heat Pad would need to be PAT tested but it was raised by a colleague who believes it should be... as should the brand new kettle, fridge, desk fan etc.

My own knowledge and experience were telling me that this assessment is beyond my comfort zones, I have been a DSE assessor for nearly 10 years but previously we were able to seek advice from our in house safety team for medical related assessments however they have disposed of the in house support and so I didn't want to make her situation worse by insisting on a course of action but figured would bounce suggestions off other experienced professionals so thank you all for your help.

I have advised the individual to set up the workstation in the way that causes her the less amount of pain at present whilst she tried different chairs etc (including my own as we cant get approval to buy new until a defined solution is selected)

Thanks again for the help much appreciated.
chas  
#9 Posted : 28 August 2012 14:14:26(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chas

We had a similar assessment to make sometime ago and we involved Occ.H, however as far as seating was concerned the DSE 'user' found the use of those inflatable balls you can get more comfortable than any chair that was tried. Whilst I am not a great fan of the things in this particular instance it proved to be the best all round solution for the particular individual and there have been no complaints since. They just have to ensure the ball stays suitably inflated.
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