United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi bigsel here, i'm having big problems at my work with my foreman, i got back to work last year on feb 19th & things were going well, i was able to do most of the jobs i used to do i even learned how to tie knots in black refuse sacks & over came a hole lot of other problems. The trouble is my foreman seems to be giving me all the sh** jobs & all the awkward jobs(who sends a man with one arm to shovle rubble) i've already been off my work for ten weeks earlier in the year because of him, i was sent to do a two man job on wed & now i have torn ligaments in my forearm because of this. I would'nt have bothered normally but there were two able boded men in the yard who could have done the job, i've been in touch with my personnel dept but they don't seem to be doing anything about it. I think he is trying to either knacker my arm for good or get me so frustated that i will end up hitting him (which would give me so much pleasure) but i would'nt lose my job because him. Is there anyone else out there had the same experience? if so what did you do about it? or is there anybody else who can give me some advice? as i am getting to the end of my tether. I go to the doctors on mon to find out how bad the injury is & i'll let you know what the outcome is.

take care
bigsel

Hi Paul

Whatever you do, DON'T thump your foreman, even tho it sounds tempting...!

When I read your message, I read thru the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995; part 2, 'Employment' which came into force in December 1996. This is an extremely lengthy document, but states quite clearly what your employer needs to do to make sure you are not harrassed or victimised by either himself, or another employee.

The Act covers employers of 15 or more, which I assume is the case here. (I have become very familiar with this bit of legislation recently 'cos of a close family member suddenly becoming disabled...long story...) My advice is to try and get to see a Disability Employment Advisor first (DEA); they usually can be found somewhere in the Dept. of Social Security...I say 'try' and see, because they are usually fully booked up for weeks. At the same time, go along to your local citizens advice bureau, and talk to an employment/disability expert if you can. They will be able to tell you if there is any difference in the laws in Scotland regarding this.(I don't think there is, but best to check...)

Next, you need to talk to the person who actually employed you...tell him, calmly, you feel you are being harrassed by another employee, and you would like it to be investigated. (that should make 'em sit up!!)If you can produce a doctors note stating that you are now suffering from overuse probs., then even better... by talking to your actual employer, he/she cannot then state later on that he/she didn't know this was happening. BUT at all times, you MUST stay calm, and not lose your temper with 'em, or agree to anything, like job change (especially if its for less money) without taking some proper advice. It can be a bit complicated, so what I'll do is find out a bit more on which way to handle this, find some links on the web, and get back to you by email...otherwise I do tend to ramble on and on...

Don't worry too much about this; as long as you stay cool this situation can be sorted....

P.S; Were you employed by the same people before the accident? It can change the way this can be approached.

I'll email you as soon as I can get more info for you.

C ya later..Liz

On the 27th will my two year anniversary... I cannot find any employer who will give me a chance. I have been trying to work through a temp agency but now they are giving me the run around. It is so frustrating when you work so hard to overcome this stupid injury only to have some idiot throw it back in your face. I applied for a job this week as an ativity assistant in a nursing home helping them with their bingo and reading to them. I got turned down for the job because of my arm! Now what in that job I could not do one handed is a mystery to me.
I have no clue what you can do other than go above these people's heads by going to the media and scream they are discriminating against you. Just my two cents..

Hi Paul........sorry you are having to deal with that kind of stuff. Hearing things like this makes me lose a little more faith in humanity. My tidbit of advice is to document EVERYTHING. No matter how insignificant it may seem, it is best to have facts and dates at your fingertips. You may already be doing this, but if not, I would strongly suggest it. Write it down and keep it tight. Good luck !

George

Hi Liz, just to let you know i have worked for the council for 14 years, i have mentioned my problem to the personnel dept but nothing seems to be happening. I go to my gp on mon so i will get him to put something in writing for me.

thanks for the help liz, much apreciated
take care bigsel

Hi George, funny you should say that, i was keeping a log book with everything in it but surprise surprise it went missing out of my locker when i was off work the last time. And guess who has access to the spare keys for the lockers, ye your right the foreman.

thanks for your help
bigsel

Hi Paul,

You should call the Disability Rights Commission Helpline. They can help sort this kinda stuff out. They have all the experts you could want there. They will get involved as well if they believe it will help. Companies do not want these guys poking around, so most will sort out their acts. They have a lot of clout. Honestly give them a call, they helped me out a lot.

Their contact details are: Helpline between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm Monday to Friday on:

Telephone 08457 622 633
Fax 08457 778 878
Textphone 08457 622 644

The website is : http://www.drc-gb.org/drc