Case study: Adjustments for an employee with RSI

A policy adviser informed HR that they had been diagnosed by a medical assessor as having RSI. They had continuous pain in the wrists and upper limb when using keyboard. HR informed health and safety who sent an adviser to visit and assess the individual in their working environment. 

HR also referred the individual to AbilityNet for a workplace assessment to determine appropriate reasonable adjustments. Within a week AbilityNet agreed a suitable date with the member of staff to carry out the assessment.

Following assessment by both the health and safety adviser and AbilityNet, a report making recommendations of reasonable adjustments was made and discussed with the individual.

The following items were then provided as reasonable adjustments; assistive technology software to facilitate speech to type, an ergonomic mouse and an ergonomic keyboard to mitigate any further discomfort.

The level of staff sickness absence reduced and the team was able to meet their target.  Furthermore a review made after six months indicated that the individual is happy with the reasonable adjustments provided.

Case study: Adjustments for an employee with epilepsy

A new Finance Officer was diagnosed with late onset epilepsy and was put on medication by her GP. The effects of the medication slightly affected her concentration and memory on a day to day basis. This has also led to a more serious effect especially when on training courses as she started to have severe panic attacks when in large class situations.

The individual contacted HR to ask if a one to one training session could be arranged with the trainer as she felt uncomfortable in large class. HR arranged a meeting with staff that same day to discuss the issue and agreed to contact the trainer to request a one to one training session in a private room.

An anti-glare screen was provided to reduce the impact of the computer screen, which could trigger an attack. Regular breaks during the training were also agreed. Facilities were asked to ensure that the lighting in the room was suitable and a first-aider was also made aware of the situation in case of an attack.

Following the delivery of tailor-made training, HR also arranged for the individual to be provided with similar reasonable adjustments at the workstation which has helped reduce attacks. The individual has also voluntarily shared with their team the issue relating to the disability and this has helped them feel more relaxed about the effects of the condition. The disclosure has also helped the team to have a better understanding of the condition and team members have been more confident in their support.

(www.communities.gov.uk)