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Original poster

Fit for work

19 replies

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 18:21

I broke my shoulder last week an was off Thursday and Friday as my pain wasn't managed. It's now managed. Theoretically I am due back tomorrow, and I'd rather be at work in some form... But my job is physical and I won't be able to do it, I won't even be able to put PPE on as I can't lift my arm (it hurts if I use my other arm to lift it). I can't even get a bra on, or a top with more sleeve than a vest top. Or socks/lace up shoes.

My deathly presenteeism is telling me to go, looking unprofessional, and sit about being useless.

I've already spoken to my line manager about speaking to HR.

I don't know what to do. Feel like I'm skiving if I stay home...

OP posts:

FlamingoFloss · 28/08/2023 18:23

You are more at risk by going to work and if you do further damage it means your company could be liable for allowing you back before you already. You really need to rest and recuperate and let your body heal. It’s not skiving - this is for your long term health.

Rubytinsleslippers · 28/08/2023 18:23

You can self certificate for 7 days then a GP sick line. You can also ask for light or reduced duties or part time building up to full hours.
You might be ok at home but trying to work will be sore and draining. Best to take 7 days to manage pain / and actually recover from your injury and then see how you feel. You might feel like a fraud but you have a broken shoulder!

Ascendant15 · 28/08/2023 18:24

You are not fit for work. Go back when you are. It's that simple.

VeeandBee · 28/08/2023 18:29

What was the medical advice? How long did the hospital tell you it would take to recover? If you weren't told them you need to ask this now as your employer will want to know how long before you are safely fit to work again and not put yourself and others at risk.

Original poster

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 18:43

Drs initially said I'd need to rest a few weeks but we're willing to write a note requesting adjusted duties instead.

OP posts:

VeeandBee · 28/08/2023 18:57

Well that's your answer. You tell your boss you can't dress yourself and won't be fit for work for several weeks. But if there's amended duties you can do in a one-handed state of undress you'll be fine

aspirationalflamingo · 28/08/2023 19:30

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 18:43

Drs initially said I'd need to rest a few weeks but we're willing to write a note requesting adjusted duties instead.

Do that then.

Original poster

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 19:39

I just feel like now pain is under control I should be at work. That inability to get a bra on is not sufficient reason to stay home.

OP posts:

aspirationalflamingo · 28/08/2023 19:56

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 19:39

I just feel like now pain is under control I should be at work. That inability to get a bra on is not sufficient reason to stay home.

Well no, you wouldn't be at work because you are not currently capable of working:

"But my job is physical and I won't be able to do it, I won't even be able to put PPE on as I can't lift my arm"

If you provide a fit note that says "may be fit to work if xyz adjustments are made" then your employer could look at redeploying you or whatever.

Insommmmnia · 28/08/2023 20:01

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 19:39

I just feel like now pain is under control I should be at work. That inability to get a bra on is not sufficient reason to stay home.

I have issues with my shoulder that flare up sometimes and I actually use the "I can't put my bra on" as the point at which I know to stay at home

Because from long (30 years since the original injury) experience I've found once I am at that point going in will cause it to be worse not better

Not my injury is different to yours and so you might not feel the same but honestly if someone else said to you they didn't think they were sufficiently ill/injured enough to stay off work even though they couldn't get dressed properly would you really be urging them to return to a physical job?

I've had 30 years of issues because I never let my injury heal sufficiently. You have to let yourself heal because a lifetime of pain flaring up because you didn't rest now will cause you issues in the long run

Original poster

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 20:13

@Insommmmnia I am considerably tougher on myself than I am on others... I also need to appreciate that others may have help with getting ready in the morning, from partners and such. Whereas I don't.

OP posts:

Insommmmnia · 28/08/2023 20:17

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 20:13

@Insommmmnia I am considerably tougher on myself than I am on others... I also need to appreciate that others may have help with getting ready in the morning, from partners and such. Whereas I don't.

Honestly if someone told you they couldn't put on a bra, a proper work top, shoes or socks but they still wanted to go to work would you not think they were barmy?

Can you even brush your hair? (I can't when mines bad which is why I as)

rwalker · 28/08/2023 20:20

even with a fit note employer with look if they can accommodate adjustments
but also they have to factor any risk in as well so might be able to have you back at work

Azandme · 28/08/2023 20:20

Trying to do too much too soon is a fast track to further damage and extended time off.

Painkillers mask pain - but the damage is still there, and pain is how we know we're doing too much - so you really are risking further injury.

Tough love time - if you allow your presenteeism to push you back to work you are making a very foolish choice. Managed pain is NOT healed injury and healing well requires rest not employee martyrdom.

Fwiw my friend broke her shoulder, did too much too soon, and has now been off 12 weeks as she can't lift her arm and needs a load more physio.

The only prize for rushing back is further problems.

Original poster

Professionalmess · 28/08/2023 20:37

@Insommmmnia barmy for sure. But I am. Lol. I completely would tell anyone else in my position to rest. Just not good at taking my own advice.

I can brush my hair. I can't tie it back though which is infuriating as it's always tied back. I'd shave it off if it wouldn't make me look like Phil Mitchell

OP posts:

ChocHotolate · 28/08/2023 20:39

A lot depends on your job. Being able to answer phone calls whilst at home is very different to be fit to work as a carer for the elderly or a trapeze artists

Vicliz24 · 28/08/2023 20:39

Please don't go into work . I have an historic shoulder injury and even now it can incapacitate me. Shoulders can be tricky buggers .

ANiceBigCupOfTea · 28/08/2023 20:41

Can you speak to your manager and see if there are light or adjusted duties you could do?
I'm not suggesting this because i think you should go to work, more because you sound like you want to.
If you can't have adjusted duties, you absolutely need to put your health first here.

Poshjock · 28/08/2023 21:05

Please don't go into work presenting as being fit when you clearly are not. This is also disruptive and will cause other people to have to adjust their duties to "look after you". I would send you home TBH. If your GP has offered a fit note with provision for adjustments, take that and inform your employer. Give them time to work out how to support you in the workplace before presenting for work. This is the fair outcome for all involved and safest for you too. Give your body time to heal and you will have a better, more productive future rather than forcing it now and potentially causing problems for yourself later.

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