Can't fulfill job function because of my weight

[ShortyFortyFatty]

I recently started a new job. It took ages to get anything and I was so pleased. However, there's one specific duty I'll have to do which I can't physically manage. It involves climbing on stacks of stock to change a card display and bluntly I'm too short and fat. Although ladders are available, the arrangement of stuff on pallets means you have to climb on it and crawl over as you can't bring ladders close enough to it. I don't think it would take my weight and I don't want to even attempt it.

I'm not sure what to do. It's one tiny bit of the job but an absolute necessity. I don't know whether to just quit, quit and explain why or to ask if there's any alternative roles as i can't physically manage this one.

Any advice? WWYD

We I'm neither short nor fat and I'd not be happy doing that!!

Health and safety?

Ask to see the risk assessment. They have to do one, and if the company has more than five employees, it has to be written down.

Sounds unsafe OP. How much do you weigh?

Who’s directing you to do it? I think I’d do a ‘eh? Look at me!’ And do some gesticulating pointing at the makeshift climbing frame.

If they go on to insist that they do want you to carry it out in that way, I’d then ask to see the risk assessment/health and safety policy for it.

That doesn't sound safe for anyone.

I wouldn't be happy doing that in any circumstances. It sounds unsafe.

I’m tall and average sized, I wouldn’t be happy either.

Speak to your boss don’t quit if you like the role otherwise.

I'm obese - 13st, 5ft1 and have the reach of a T-Rex.
I'm sure that it's not official company policy to do it that way, but the display things have to be accurate otherwise it's illegal trading. So they're not telling you to climb on stuff, but there's no way of actually doing it otherwise. I don't want it to be the person training me gets blamed either.

I'm also short and fat and I wouldn't be happy with that either. I do displays and am happy to climb ladders but I wouldn't be scrambling across piles of stuff, and I wouldn't be allowed to anyway. It can't possibly be safe.

I’m big (as in fairly tall) and fat so I sympathise.
I don’t think I’d be brave enough to draw attention to my weight so I’d probably claim to have a fear of heights, or say heights make me dizzy - can’t even change a lightbulb at home etc.

It's not your problem that's its the only way they need to sort a safer way.
You aren't even that heavy many people will be heavier think 6 foot plus men. Your weight isn't the issue here.

OP your weight isn't the issue here. You are being asked to carry out an unsafe practice. Decline on those grounds, not your weight.

Is there a union? re you a member?

They asked me how I felt about heights and I said I was fine. I did actually say I didn't think it would take my weight but person said I'd be fine. Mentioned my concern to another colleague who said I'd just have to do it.
Management structure is a bit up in the air and I'm not sure who I actually report to.

I'd definitely be mentioning health and safety here. This is not a weight issue. It is bad planning on their part. If you don't want to make an issue, just say that you find it really awkward.

Make it a virus thing! We all have a responsibility to prevent unnecessary hospital visits right now. Suggest a safer way.

Don't be ridiculous, don't resign under any circumstances. Quote health and safety and if you can't do it safely then don't. They can't make you or you can sue them for constructive dismissal.

OP that's a terrible breach of Health & Safety regulations, just tell whoever is asking you do this that you couldn't possible as you would hate for that person to lose their job if something was to happen to you, but that you would be happy to do the task if suitable equipment were provided.

It's a hard one because in rl nobody wants to start a new job questioning health & safety do they? ... 13 stone isnt very heavy for someone 5f6 or more? Is there only skinny people doing this particular job ?

It’s up to them to make it safe for you. Climbing on stuff isn’t safe for anyone, you need to have ladders the correct height.

But I see it’s Difficult to dig your heels in on this one, when you’re new to the role And there’s a global crisis happening.

I think H&S etc would go down very badly. Ultimately they can let me go pretty easily.

Current display changer is similar height to me, but more like a size 10. She said she managed it fine at 1.5stone heavier than her current weight but that would still be a lot lighter than me.

Also the role is going on to Nightshift which is what I wanted. Current person didn't want to go on nights but is unhappy at the day role she'll be doing. So there's a bit of lingering awkwardness when I do any training with her.

It seems really unreasonable to expect you to do this if it's not safe OP.
13 stone is not an unreasonable weight for equipment to be able to accommodate surely? I think your health and safety needs to come first so even if it's uncomfortable you need to ask for accommodations to be made and if they won't comply don't risk your safety - no job is worth that.

Join your union immediately. As mentioned, do not mention your size, weight to anyone, at all, ever!
It’s a health & safety issue.
As you’re a new employee, you have few rights & I expect there’s a “this is the way it’s always been done“ attitude.
Be very aware.

Some info for you www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf

I’m fit and healthy and I wouldn’t agree to climb over bloody pallets!!