Occupation Health after long absence

katwater51

Hi, does anyone have experience of an occupational health assessment after a long absence? 

I’ve had chronic injury and chronic pain for over 8 years and been off work for 3 years. 

I have no idea what to expect. Does anyone have any experience of how it might go. Thanks. 

SueHeath

Hi @katwater51 i had my assessment a couple of weeks ago via video call, it was okay a nice Doctor she was very under standing and knew about the problems that come with my stenosis. Tended to be a bit like pip as in how i do things or can't do things.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Oh assessment is nothing to worry about they will just be asking about your condition and how it would affect you in tye workplace 

This will be in order to provide recommendations on any reasonable adjustments which could be made for you to return to work or if there are any other roles you can do or if you are not fit to return to work 

The oh will then send the report yo your employer and yourself if you request a copy 

katwater51

Thanks SueHeath and janer1967. SueHeath did they suggest any reasonable adjustments to you during the call? Did they have any ideas?

I feel I’m in a bad situation and I need a recommendation that I can return to work from OH because I have no income now and little savings. I’ll feel like ai need to try anything

katwater51

Thanks @SueHeath and @janer1967. SueHeath did they suggest any reasonable adjustments to you during the call? Did they have any ideas?

I feel I’m in a bad situation and I need a recommendation that I can return to work from OH because I have no income now and little savings. I’ll feel like ai need to try anything

SueHeath

Hi @katwater51 before i went on long term ill i tried to do my job on less hours it didn't work for me, with the type of job i did i was on my feet all day and there was no other solution but to not return, i was at the end of my carer anyway. 
If you want to return to your job tell them, have you been communicating with your HR they were the ones that helped me with work ajustments. I believe that OH can give you help and advise on returning back to work, 
Good luck and keep us informed 

katwater51

Thanks for that @SueHeath, I tried a lot of adjustments in the office too before I went off but just trying to get dressed & commute every day ramped up the pain massively. A bit like your experience of being on your feet - at the time they were really strict about people being in our office, it was part of the role to be what they called “visible.” To the organisation that meant being in the office.  

Maybe they would let me try being fully remote now I don’t know. They’ve also said that voice recognition software works now with their systems which it didn’t before.
Thanks for the information about your experience, I’m finding it really stressful. 

SueHeath

Morning @katwater51 it must be stressful for you, as you sound like you really want to get back to work - see what the OH say, don't forget firms have to look at heath and safety as well ie, making sure their workers can evacuate the building safely if there's a fire. 

katwater51

Thanks @SueHeath, that’s something I often forget, I need to keep perspective. 

L_Volunteer

Keeping perspective can be tricky @katwater51. What, if anything, do you think might help you at the moment?

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to support you. We are all here for you 

katwater51

Thanks @L_Volunteer I’m just trying to keep doing the basics, meditate and breathing exercises for the panic attacks. And CBT

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @katwater51. It is the very least you deserve.

Oh, the basics mean even more when they are needed don't they? How are you finding things at the moment? 

katwater51

Hi @SueHeath and @L_Volunteer, just wanted to say thanks again for your answers above. 

I got some reasonable adjustment recommendations from HR and my employer is considering whether they can work with them.
Also I’ve looked up Accesstowork and researched mobility aids to see whether they could reduce my pain levels. 

Thanks for your answers, it’s really helpful to have input from people experienced with the challenges involved.