Working in unsafe covid environment

nails1

I work in a warehouse for a large courier company. Due to the setup correct social distancing is near impossible and not being enforced properly by management. A couple of fellow workers are out sick at the moment with confirmed cases. As it’s considered an essential it can remain open. However I’m quite worried about my health and potential exposures. I’m considering leaving the job soon as a result of this. Would I be eligible to claim the social welfare as I’d be leaving voluntarily but due to unsafe work conditions?

Mrs OBumble

Call your GP. If you have been working closely with confirmed cases, it could be taking quite a toll on your mental health.

nails1

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Call your GP. If you have been working closely with confirmed cases, it could be taking quite a toll on your mental health.

Thanks but my biggest concern at the moment is being able to leave the job asap and having some form of income. I can’t survive without any money coming in

Kristopherus

nails1 wrote: »

Thanks but my biggest concern at the moment is being able to leave the job asap and having some form of income. I can’t survive without any money coming in

Any chance the company could provide protective clothing & masks?

nails1

Kristopherus wrote: »

Any chance the company could provide protective clothing & masks?

They brought in 15 masks and there’s 40 staff. The masks are also the cheap ones not proper ppe

whampiri

nails1 wrote: »

They brought in 15 masks and there’s 40 staff. The masks are also the cheap ones not proper ppe

Pm sent re PPE.

Mrs OBumble

nails1 wrote: »

Thanks but my biggest concern at the moment is being able to leave the job asap and having some form of income. I can’t survive without any money coming in

Your GP is likely to sign you out sick. Then you will qualify for illness benefit.

daheff

report them to the health & safety authorities.


Just because they are 'essential' doesn't mean they are allowed to open without following correct controls to prevent spread of the virus. Especially if there are already a number of confirmed cases.

witchgirl26

daheff wrote: »

report them to the health & safety authorities.


Just because they are 'essential' doesn't mean they are allowed to open without following correct controls to prevent spread of the virus. Especially if there are already a number of confirmed cases.

This. And also if they have a employee concern line, raise it there too. Essential services are still bound by the same rules we all are in terms of social distancing within health & safety reasons and putting appropriate measures in place to minimise risk.

Starlord_01

nails1 wrote: »

I work in a warehouse for a large courier company. Due to the setup correct social distancing is near impossible and not being enforced properly by management. A couple of fellow workers are out sick at the moment with confirmed cases. As it’s considered an essential it can remain open. However I’m quite worried about my health and potential exposures. I’m considering leaving the job soon as a result of this. Would I be eligible to claim the social welfare as I’d be leaving voluntarily but due to unsafe work conditions?

Shouldn't you all be self-isolating if fellow workers have tested positive? I would raise that concern with your H&S rep and/or your GP.

tv3tg4

I have a developing work situation. I live in the city. I travel back home at the weekends -where my elderly dad lives.

I didn't return to work after st. Patricks taking annual leave. The office was then shut after that but it reopened again recently.

I can't return as I am still down with dad and would have to take a bus to the city where I share a house with 5 others.

I fear that if I returned to work -i would pass the virus to dad. He wouldn't survive if he got the virus.

I explained this to them at work who don't want to consider remote working.

They are sending me texts, emails, WhatsApp messages etc

I rang my doctor today and he said he'd give me a certificate for 4weeks.

I rang the boss and he said to submit it but they might not accept it.

I offered to work from home and he refused.

I always got on with everyone in the office. I can't put my dad's health at risk. He lives on his own.

homewardbound11

tv3tg4 wrote: »

I have a developing work situation. I live in the city. I travel back home at the weekends -where my elderly dad lives.

I didn't return to work after st. Patricks taking annual leave. The office was then shut after that but it reopened again recently.

I can't return as I am still down with dad and would have to take a bus to the city where I share a house with 5 others.

I fear that if I returned to work -i would pass the virus to dad. He wouldn't survive if he got the virus.

I explained this to them at work who don't want to consider remote working.

They are sending me texts, emails, WhatsApp messages etc

I rang my doctor today and he said he'd give me a certificate for 4weeks.

I rang the boss and he said to submit it but they might not accept it.

I offered to work from home and he refused.

I always got on with everyone in the office. I can't put my dad's health at risk. He lives on his own.

I’m so sorry to hear this . A lot of families are broken up from their elderly parents .You must be under tremendous stress because of this .

antix80

tv3tg4 wrote: »

I have a developing work situation. I live in the city. I travel back home at the weekends -where my elderly dad lives.

Quite simply.. Youre not allowed to move between both residences. Assuming your house share allows you to spend the weekend there, that's what you need to do.

tv3tg4

I can't risk going to work.
I can't get over the attitude of the boss.
I must not leave it get to me.
I was livid on phone when he said they might not accept a certificate from a doctor. I queried this during these times.


I will submit the cert and hope they accept it.

tv3tg4

antix80 wrote: »

Quite simply.. Youre not allowed to move between both residences. Assuming your house share allows you to spend the weekend there, that's what you need to do.

He will say to take the bus.

Mrs OBumble

If you are working, you are living in the city and will not be in contact with your father.

You cannot give him the virus over the telephone.

FloatingVoter

It is turning into an apartheid system. The office snitches / teachers pets are lazing about all week while the real workers are being summoned in to risk their lives. On a phone bank (with serious underlying condition - cancer) and running out of medical certs.
The justifiable hatred that emerges from this thing will be more lethal than the virus itself.

tv3tg4

Going down the medical certificate route - wouldn't be my first choice.

But in these strange times - I think it is justifyable.

FloatingVoter

tv3tg4 wrote: »

Going down the medical certificate route - wouldn't be my first choice.

But in these strange times - I think it is justifyable.

Most GPs are issuing them over the phone to avoid physical contact. They're snowed under. Go with a slight temperature (101 degrees) to get a week out.
Say your breathing is fine to avoid disappearing down the COVID rabbit hole.


I haven't tried anxiety or depression yet but might be worth a bash for a longer time out.