Case study: Adjustments for an employee with back pain

A member of our maintenance engineering staff was involved in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in him being off work for an extended period of time with a serious back injury. Upon his return to work a risk assessment was carried out and the following reasonable adjustments were made to facilitate his return to work:

• Reduced working hours.
• Frequent breaks away from the work environment.
• Work station assessment carried out and special chair provided.
• Special equipment provided to assist with manual handling tasks which are limited to small objects only.
• Special shoes with slip resistant soles provided.
• Prohibited from doing any work at heights especially any work requiring the use of ladders.
• Fire marshals appointed to accompany him from building should an evacuation occur.
• Lone working prohibited.

The adjustments have had a morale boosting effect on this employee. They have enabled him to return to work, in a limited but productive role, making him feel useful again and improving his self esteem. His recovery from this injury is slow but his return to work has improved his outlook on life which is having a positive effect on his recovery.

(www.canarywharf.com)