Injured doing a "course" at work. Any advice please?

[metrorock11]

Hi. Yesterday, I had to attend a new fire safety course at my place of work in a nursing home. My manager had another member of staff & myself, strap a residents daughter into an evacuation chair & physically carry her,  between us, down three flights of stairs to demonstrate the evacuation procedure. Well, today, I am in AGONY with my back. I am due back in work tonight but really do not feel capable of doing my job. The manager is not a very proffesional person, never has been. What would you do? Any advice gratefully received.

[millielilac]

Well you must make an appointment with your doctor to have your injury assessed ....this will also make it a matter of record....

If the injury is so severe that it is going to prevent you from doing your job properly then you must let your work place know immediately so that they can arrange proper cover for you.

Would suggest that you also let the manager know that she will need to record the incident in the work " incident " file as the injury is very likely related to the procedure that you were asked to undertake . Your doctor should also be able to verify if the procedure was likely to cause the injury....

[tintinthegingertomcat]

Agree with everything said by Millielilac. The employer will have insurance to cover if you are off work.

Everything must be documented - ie visits to Drs etc

Tell them as soon as possible

[metrorock11]

Thank you for your swift replies. I am just wondering, was she right in asking us to do this procedure? Manual handling says we should never physically lift anyone. In case of a reall fire, of course it would be different. Adrenaline kicks in etc.

[millielilac]

You should never be required to undertake a procedure if it explicitly contradicts with information provided in your training manual .

As stated in a real emergency situation people do do things that in reality they should not ....and in that event it may even be that they are not covered insurance wise ....but in a real life and death situations sometimes reality kicks in and the manual is thrown out of the window.

However in a training exercise you should not have been ask to undertake an activity which is outside of normal recognised procedures. It is beginning to look as if your manager has over stepped the mark somewhat by asking you to perform a task which is outside of your normal duties.....

As stated make sure everything is documented as you may need to take out some sort action against your employers if you feel you were requested to undertake a procedure that contravened policy ....

[cookiecookuk]

in theory you should get full pay while off work with a work related injury but i am sorry if i sound down on you but your employers could turn round and say as you had done your moving and handling course you should have said NO when asked to lift this person but as you did it it will be deemed to be your own fault.

sorry only going over what happened at our place of work a few months ago.

[metrorock11]

Thank you for that info millielilac! The manager told us that the fire brigade asked her how she would keep the very elderly residents warm in case of evacuation, & she mockingly said. " I would move them nearer the fire"! Yes, I do have grievances with my place of work. & I will be blowing the whistle very loudly!

[metrorock11]

I know cookie. I should"ve point blank refused! The manager was under investigation last year for assualt on an elderly person, (outside work), CQC are constantly monitoring her. I cannot work in this situation any longer. If I lose my job/home, then so be it. But she is such a clever one!

[captainbovine]

I would write down exactly what happened and when. Keep a copy handy and alter bits of it if necessary.

Are you in a union? do they cover you with a solicitor if you need one? if so, then get them on the case asap. If you are putting in a claim it is important to do these things.

I put a claim in at work when I hurt my arm, I didn't do it right away which was a mistake.

I hope your back is better soon.

think carefully what you say and do.

[metrorock11]

Thank you captain, I will do. Well here goes. Another complaint to CQC! A shame really, because I love my job but to be honest, I"d rather live in a tent than see what goes on a day to day basis. I have always done my best for our grands. Worked hard etc, No one will be neglected on my shift. But sadly, i would rather do a cleaning job! Jeez, we can"t even call em "luv" anymore! & not even allowed to get attatched! What is going on??

[captainbovine]

well that would be me out then, I call everyone Love!!!

I'm supposed to call customers sir and madam but I won't. Most of them think they are above us as it is, I think that makes them worse. Love it is and always will be.

I am polite and respectful at all times.

[dr-whos-assistant]

Hubby says you report it as a works accident, if you can do light duties then you need to say that but otherwise you don't go in.