Screaming colleague

[ChewedSkyRemote]

Name changes as outing.

Woman at work randomly screams. It frightens me to death, I have auditory sensory issues and now I sit anxiously awaiting the scream. It’s very random and can be while you’re in the middle of talking to her or just when everyone is quiet working. I have obviously spoken to her about it and she says it’s a disability and can’t help it but won’t say what the disability is. Tomorrow I’m due to go on a visit with her and I can’t face driving with the threat of this sudden screaming. I spoke to the senior on Friday and was told the woman does have a disability and that was that. I also have a hidden disability and part of that is not being able to cope with sudden loud noises!! So where do I stand here?

Driver distraction can have deadly consequences I was startled by my cat fortunately I only jumped physically and didn't twitch on my steering he shouted as I was turning a sharp bend in the ring road and all I hear is the cat equivalent of "OH MY GOD" little fucker that he is apparently gets car sick and his vets is via three islands and a lot of sharp turns

We went the other way home my nerves were shot

Are you driving in your own car? If so, I’d decline to take her with me - you would need insurance for business purposes anyway.

If it’s a company vehicle then it’s more tricky - but I’d play the I don’t feel safe driving with her card and see where that lands.

Who the hell would employ someone who randomly screams ?

@ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmmmmmmmm

Who the hell would employ someone who randomly screams ?

People who have vague understanding of tourettes, and discrimination.

It says more about what a disgusting human being you are to think those with tourettes shouldn't be employed.

🔔 end.

@ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmmmmmmmm

Who the hell would employ someone who randomly screams ?

Why the hell not, if reasonable adjustments can be made? What are they supposed to live on otherwise? Disability benefits aren't comparable to a wage

I bet the poor lady has Tourettes. Am sorry you have a disability too. Your managers need to think of a solution as it's not your fault you have auditory issues and certainly not her fault she has Tourettes.

@ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmmmmmmmm

Who the hell would employ someone who randomly screams ?

Employers who aren’t discriminating cunts.

HTH.

There's also no reason that many people with TS can't work, so why should they not? If they're fit and able they can't stay home in case they are an office distraction.

@EndaDay

I hope she doesn't have a driving licence!

And actually, to a previous PP, it is certainly relevant if she doesn't scream in other places and it most certainly relevant to the OP if she does. because if she can refrain from screaming anywhere else-even just one place-then she should be able to refrain from screaming down the OP's ear.

Screaming is pretty different to a short shout. How does she get on if she travels on the tube? She could cause a bloody riot of panic!

Still interested to know what sort of work she does.

I wouldn't think it could be dealing with customers. I wouldn't think she could be a barrister or a judge. How about a screaming dentist or brain surgeon? A screaming air pilot or driving instructor? Maybe a screaming teacher? How about a screaming undertaker or a vicar? A screaming vet? A screaming sleep therapist?

I know posters will come on with the inevitable, 'Why Not' but meanwhile, back at the real world ranch...

God, this is such a hysterical whataboutery response. The woman can't help it; it's not deliberate behaviour. If she screams on a flight or a train, people have to deal with it. She shouldn't be shut away from the public because of a genuine disability. Do you have any idea how outdated and harmful that notion is?

OP, I understand how distressing this must be for you. I have PTSD which causes me to have an enhanced startle response. Every scream would put me into fight or flight mode, which I imagine would be exhausting. You can both be accommodated here, with a bit of honesty, patience, and compassion from the organisation and each of you.

Why do you have to travel with her? Can’t she make her own way?
Do you have to drive?

It's in the employers interest to work carefully on reasonable adjustments in this case.

Arranging alternative transport for the employee, and not expecting another employee to take responsibility for driving her is a start.

In addition, whilst employing some who randomly screams , it should be a consideration that these sudden outbursts could cause harm to other employees mental health, and these employees also matter. Attempts should be made to make the physical workspace as safe as possible, some soundproofing and sound absorbing pads. If not, some employees may not be able to cope and could leave, leading possibly to further legal action.

Fucking hell this thread has attracted the ableist bigots who just love to seize any opportunity to deride anyone who doesn’t conform to their perfect standards.

The sooner we realise that society’s “normal” is so privileged and exclusive the better.

I don't have a disability but I wouldn't drive her in the circumstances. You will be the one facing charges if she causes an accident with her screaming.

So the event was today wasn't it - Did you end up being railroaded into doing something you weren't comfortable with @ChewedSkyRemote, or did someone manage to acknowledge that your needs matter too?

I hope you didn’t drive her.

I wouldn’t, and I am not particularly jumpy or sensitive.

Is she like the Catherine Tate character who screams constantly when something spooks her?

I think at work you just need to accommodate it. However, I wouldn't drive with her in the car.

Sounds like she has tic disorder or tourettes, and if she does she really can't help it. Why can't she drive herself to the visit?

I would assume her disability is Tourette’s syndrome and the screaming is an involuntary verbal tic. In the office if it’s distracting you could wear ear plugs or similar so you can still hear what’s going on around you but the noise won’t be as much of a shock. As for driving - it sounds like her tic could cause an accident and as such your manager should fully risk assess the potential consequences.

No advice really but I have a friend with Tourette’s and it’s really tough on her (and me when I go out with her). I am so afraid to get beat up because of the things she says 😬
She hasn’t been able to hold down a job long term or sustain relationships including friendships so I appreciate where she might be coming from and how hard this must be for you.
There must be somewhere in the middle your company can compromise to cater to both your needs.
Ask HR again or company rep. I don’t think it should be a case of one’s disability trumping another’s. Sorry it’s frightening for you. This is coming from someone who has been sworn at for not being able to ‘control my companion’

It sounds like the woman may have Tourettes or similar, and therefore reasonable adjustments have been made for her. You sound as though you want reasonable adjustments to be made for a hidden disability you have not told anyone about. Sorry, but if that is the case, YABU.

@icelolly12 Are you for real??! What century are you living in you idiot!!!