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Back Ache - What do you do if you suffer Back Ache at work?

Back Ache or back pains affect many of us and if you develop severe back pain or your existing condition gets worse while you are at work, then there are several things you can do if you think that your job is going to be in jeapardy.

First of all, the only grounds for dismissal is if you can no longer do your job, and your employer cannot provide you with reasonable adjustments, or an alternative post with retraining within the same firm.

So if you are suffering, it is important that you gather as much information as possible before you make any decisions about your future. Begin by thinking things through:

• What is your job description and work pattern?
  
  
• Are there any areas where you might now have difficulty, such as lifting or sitting in the same place for too long?
  
  
• If you have to sit for long periods of time, can you do things differently such as can you keep moving in some way?
  
  
• Are you entitled to equipment, other than what your employer currently provides you. For example:
  
  
  • A different chair
    
    
  • Additions to your work station
    

If your employer feels that they cannot provide more than basic equipment, you can both be assisted under a government scheme called Access to Work. For this assessment you will need to contact the Disability Employment Advisor (DEA).

The DEA can support you in negotiations for reasonable adjustments. If you are experiencing a great deal of fatigue, you might wish to reduce the hours you work or you may have to take time off sick.

The statutory period for sick pay is 28 weeks. If you are going to be off for a longer period, make sure that after 23 weeks you apply to receive the form, SSP(1) (T). This will entitle you to benefit provision.

Further Information

www.backcare.org.uk