Can I speak to HR about my anxiety over colleague's health?

[SilverRingEarrings]

I share an office with another woman and have done for 5 years. She has documented health problems concerning her lungs and breathing. She's been hospitalised at least once each winter.

This year has been particularly bad but she is still coming into work. She looks ghastly and her breathing is very laboured. She admits to feeling unwell.

I am really, really scared of her collapsing and having to try and deal with that situation on my own. It keeps me awake at night. I have never seen anyone so poorly that hasn't been in a care home or hospital tbh.

Our manager is in the same wing but isn't always there. I could be on my own when something happened to her

Will HR be able to do anything? I unofficially raised it before and was told she cannot be sent home.

[MitziK]

Nope. But she could be required to attend Diversity Training in order to not get fired for making discriminatory comments about a disabled colleague.

[rosinavera]

@MitziK....What discriminatory comments are you referring to??

[MitziK]

If you can't see how the comments the OP have made could sound to the person who has the disability or anybody responsible for ensuring that staff comply to Equalities legislation, there's not anything I can do to make you understand just how sticky a wicket she is on.

[rosinavera]

I'm sorry but I think you're talking rubbish @MitziK

[rosinavera]

Where does it say that it's discriminatory to have concerns about a colleague who looks at death's door?? :-0

[rosinavera]

Yes, I understand that but the OP isn't being discriminatory against her colleague, she is concerned for her and worried about what would happen if she collapsed - I really don't understand why people can't see that!!

Anyway I'm out, this thread is making me far too angry now!

[NursieBernard]

OP is concerned about having to deal with her colleague if she collapses rather than having concern for the colleague. OP is concerned about the anxiety it is causing her.

[Teacakequeen]

This thread is so weird. I'm asthmatic and I'd find it really distressing to listen to someone else wheezing all day. I'd be anxious as well. Is your colleague not very open about her health condition? It would be useful to know a little about it in case you do need to summon help