Hi All,

I work in the licensed trade, not in H&S but in stocktaking and consultancy. I took an IOSH course last year and have just passed my NEBOSH so very interested in the subject; it's very relevant to what I do. I'm not looking to advise this person though.

I have a client, J, who runs a small club. He's just had both hips replaced and now has one leg 1.5 inches shorter than the other ( I had no idea that happened! ). Walking with a pronounced limp is very bad for his joints, especially the new ones, so he 'modifies' his shoes to even himself up and gets around just fine.

Aside from running the club he also works in construction and is looking to get back to work. The company he works for have raised concerns about modifying the work boots that they supply, they say that the manufacturer won't stand behind their product if it has been modified and won't allow anyone on site without approved protective footwear.

J makes the point that the boots are only meant to protect his toes, which seems pretty valid to me, but I can see where the company are coming from.

Does anybody have an opinion on the way forward for this sort of situation? Again, I'm not looking to advise him, I just found the question interesting.

Personally, I thought a risk assessment on the boots and modifying them should satisfy all involved ( except the manufacturer ) and get him back to work. I also wondered about disability discrimination; surely a company should find a way to get people back to work rather than find obstacles to put in their way?

I think that there has been a similar thread recently. There are a number of companies that provide a service for such circumstances. Access to work may also be able to help or advise.