Bad seating at work; back problems because of if

Asmooh

My girlfriend already had back issues but due the bad seats at work it's even worse and I wonder if we can do anything about it?

This in Belfast / NI, UK

Shouldn't companies follow strict rules regarding seats and working environment?

We wonder where we can complain about this

It's about snip in Belfast

seamus

I'd remove the name of the company from your post.

She should speak to the company's HR department, or their health and safety officer is she knows who that is. UK law will be similar to Ireland, requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to avoid injury to employees and accommodate any issues they do have.

In fact, it may be a breach of her contract of employment if she fails to inform her employers that her chair poses a health and safety risk.

livedadream

Asmooh wrote: »

My girlfriend already had back issues but due the bad seats at work it's even worse and I wonder if we can do anything about it?

This in Belfast / NI, UK

Shouldn't companies follow strict rules regarding seats and working environment?

We wonder where we can complain about this

they do.

contact your manager or HR or Health and Safety officer.

the_syco

Asmooh wrote: »

We wonder where we can complain about this

Has she informed HR at her work about this?

mel123

First off has she asked for a new chair? Back pillow? New desk?

The 'complaint' can only follow on if yet to the above. I would be extremely surprised at any company not willing to co-operate with an employee and buy them a correct chair or pillow etc.

antix80

Companies should provide suitable chairs and also training or an occupational assessment... You know that daft and incorrect diagram that says you should sit at 90degrees?

You can also buy (or co should provide) a cheap mesh thingy for lumbar support.

Office work is bad for your back anyway. Exercises like dead lifts can help build your back. Also, take regular stretch breaks at work.

kirving

If she already has back issues, it should probably have been mentioned to the employer so that they have a chance to order in a better or more adjustable chair.

Does she drive, if so is the car seat OK too? Bus seats maybe? A bad mattress can be a major cause too.

I can't see any reasonable employer having an issue. I know where I work that if I came in and complained of a sore back, Health and Safety would send me home until I got a new chair or whatever.

Asmooh

Well people Said it can take up a year for them to get a seat so that's madness!


Bus takes only 10 mins and she doesn't drive I even got a letter from the gp saying she needs a special seat but would are complaining about it for long time and it seems the company doesn't care