It was a non-work related injury and I was not able to work my 12-hour shifts or for consecutive days. My work changed my role but not enough to suit my injuries as the doctor had stated that sedentary work would best for my recovery.
Whilst at work, I aggravated my injury and suffered more pain. Work immediately changed my role for 2 weeks to an sedentary job to accommodate my work related injury. After two weeks had passed, they signed off on my injury as a strain and required me to go back to physical labor. Whilst most of my work was reasonable and manageable, there were tasks there that would aggravate my condition.
I tried to find ways of completing these tasks as I was worried that they would terminate my employment. I would require 1 to two days a week off as the pain would become unbearable and I was struggling with sleeping properly. Work insisted that I attend work every day but I stated that it was unsafe for me to drive to work on medication and that their policies were the same that I can not work under the influence prescribed drugs.
This was after 2 near misses on the road returning from work that I decided it was not worth the risk when suffering server pain. 18 months of work gave me 3 months off, without pay to improve my health and then required me to return fit for my occupation. I was unable to obtain work because it would end my employment contract.
After 3 long months, they terminated my employment stating I was not fit for my occupation and their doctor had informed them I was unlikely to be able to return to my role for an unknown time.
Should my employer have found me suitable work as requested by my doctor to help with my recovery at the start? And what obligations under employment law does the employer have to assist with return to work policies?
Whilst at work, I aggravated my injury and suffered more pain. Work immediately changed my role for 2 weeks to an sedentary job to accommodate my work related injury. After two weeks had passed, they signed off on my injury as a strain and required me to go back to physical labor. Whilst most of my work was reasonable and manageable, there were tasks there that would aggravate my condition.
I tried to find ways of completing these tasks as I was worried that they would terminate my employment. I would require 1 to two days a week off as the pain would become unbearable and I was struggling with sleeping properly. Work insisted that I attend work every day but I stated that it was unsafe for me to drive to work on medication and that their policies were the same that I can not work under the influence prescribed drugs.
This was after 2 near misses on the road returning from work that I decided it was not worth the risk when suffering server pain. 18 months of work gave me 3 months off, without pay to improve my health and then required me to return fit for my occupation. I was unable to obtain work because it would end my employment contract.
After 3 long months, they terminated my employment stating I was not fit for my occupation and their doctor had informed them I was unlikely to be able to return to my role for an unknown time.
Should my employer have found me suitable work as requested by my doctor to help with my recovery at the start? And what obligations under employment law does the employer have to assist with return to work policies?
