Disabled worker at height Options  Watch this topic  Print this topic » Normal Threaded

Previous Topic Next Topic

Paul B		#1 Posted : 17 September 2014 11:46:20(UTC)
Rank: Forum user		I currently have a brickwork pointing job on the go using sub-contractors. An operative turns up for induction, he will be pointing. This guy has no arm from the elbow down and I am concerned about him climbing the scaffold ladders 20 plus metres high and maintaining three points of contact. I have allocated him ground level work until I can resolve this issue but he will be required to climb ladders soon. I don't want to be in breach of any regs be they Health and Safety or Disability. Any imput will be greatly appreciated.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Mebo		#2 Posted : 17 September 2014 12:03:11(UTC)
Rank:: Forum user		At a former employer we had a maintenance man with only one useable arm. He could do anything anyone else could (including climbing ladders) and more. Suggest you see what the chap is actually capable of before invoking "regs".
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

jodieclark1510		#3 Posted : 17 September 2014 12:14:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		Speak to him about what he can do.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Paul B		#4 Posted : 17 September 2014 12:15:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user		I know what he is capable of but its how he goes about it. At times he will have only two contact points on the ladder and will try to carry his mortar hawk under the short arm (no hand) while climbing up or down ladders.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

jodieclark1510		#5 Posted : 17 September 2014 12:23:37(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		and ask him what he does about this, 3 points of contact does not always include an arm- the hips/centre can be used as a point too- look at how many electricians work up ladders changing lights- light in one hand and tool in the other. People adapt to the hand (no pun intended) that they are given- he could be the most safety conscious guy you have ever seen and manages to work round this. If he can't then you have your answer but if he can.....
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

L McCartney		#6 Posted : 17 September 2014 13:08:28(UTC)
Rank: Forum user		I can't always remember things so apologies for this. In a past employment we had someone come out and they did a free assessment of an employee with a disability as it was beyond my capability to make a fully informed decision. I think they might have been from part of Job Centre plus - this is my memory failing part
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

stevedm		#7 Posted : 17 September 2014 17:40:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		Paul there has been some good advice given about asking the individual...but in addition to that the individual will require an assessment of his capabilities by Occupational Health Provider. That would give some protection to the company...
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Paul B		#8 Posted : 17 September 2014 18:28:46(UTC)
Rank: Forum user		It has just came to my attention that the gentleman concerned in this post has today been dismissed on an unrelated matter.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

hilary		#9 Posted : 18 September 2014 10:19:33(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		That's handy! Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

boblewis		#10 Posted : 18 September 2014 23:15:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		It seems to me that the issue here is not the disability but the almost universal use of ladders on scaffolds. It is very rare for stairways not to be possible in scaffolds or to have access stair towers. You do need to look at the whole approach to scaffolds and the problem would not occur. Bob
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

firesafety101		#11 Posted : 19 September 2014 09:15:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		Bob you are right, as usual. Projects really do have to be well thought out right before the start and if working at a lowish height from whatever the base is required, then ladders should be thought of then designed out. After that reasonable adjustments are to be introduced for the disabled worker. Shame the lad was fired, I wonder what the unrelated matter was?
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Paul B		#12 Posted : 22 September 2014 16:36:57(UTC)
Rank: Forum user		"Gross misconduct and verbal abuse toward A director" I have been told.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

firesafety101		#13 Posted : 23 September 2014 22:14:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		I know its a hard life having a disability. Very very stressful.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

boblewis		#14 Posted : 24 September 2014 10:00:52(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		Firesafety Totally agree. Probably sick of being told by his bosses that yet another site is questioning his suitability/ability to work!!!!! All because they do not want to be non discriminatory in the workplace and make any adaptations for any disabled person. I know I blow a fuse at times over it as must you.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

firesafety101		#15 Posted : 24 September 2014 11:40:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user		Too true Bob, it seems so difficult to get people to think outside the box when Reasonable Adjustments are necessary, they usually don't want to upset anyone when they are actually upsetting the person who needs the adjustments. Between us two I think we could write a book ...............
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Users browsing this topic

Guest