Should My Employer Provide Me A Adjustable Desk?

[ChingWan23]

I am working at computer 7 hrs a day, now my arms are so painful which need to take sick leave and seeing physio. have a occ health assessment that a lower desk (I am tiny) may be helpful with change a mouse as well. but the company i worked for said all the desks build are link up in a row and can only adjust upwards. they said they can't provide a desk can be adjust downwards for me. I know it would be cost them trouble to do so but seems not 100% impossible? Wondering are they upholding Health & safety?

[THECORBYLOON]

If they're not willing to lower the desk, could they have a platform in front so that your chair is higher but you can touch that platform still?

[ToraToraTora]

get a higher chair then!

[sanmac]

How about an adjustable chair that you can raise to a height which is comfortable for you.

[ChingWan23]

i did suggest a platform but for health & safety reasons, it's a no

[ChingWan23]

my chair already adjusted to the max height

[ToraToraTora]

then get one that goes higher!

[gness]

You're being rude, TTT. A higher chair doesn't solve the problem for those of us who aren't as tall as you.

[bhg481]

Your emplyer has a legal obligation to provide you with a safe working environment. If you have a union talk to them about it.

[Peter Pedant]

I agree that this is better handled by the union at work

no platform because of health and safety but no mod allowed for you in breach of health and safety - - deffo union business

[ChingWan23]

Higher chair my foot will be hanging and need a higher foot rest if the market has it? Seems the desk can be lower is easier and my foot can be flat on the floor.

[ToraToraTora]

they come with foot rests too!

[ToraToraTora]

or you can get foot stool under the desk. You just seem to be wanting your employer to make a special case of you rather than adopt a simple obvious solution.

[ChingWan23]

Sorry Peter what is mod?

[THECORBYLOON]

Have you asked them if alternative legs can be put on the desk or the cost of a suitable desk?

I would get written confirmation of the refusal with their reasons and speak to ACAS for advice.

https://www.acas.org.uk/advice

I would also raise a grievance.

[ChingWan23]

Thx TTT letting me know they come with foot rest. But I have no intention to be treated as special case. It's a bit sad of you to saying so.

[JJ109]

How tall are you? Are we talking about a couple of inches or a foot or more that needs adjusting?

[bhg481]

Do you realise that, working for 7 hours a day on a computer, your employer should pay for you to have regular eye tests and provide screen-specs if necessary.
I think PP was using "mod" as short for "modification".

[sanmac]

If I am interpreting the situation correctly, the main problem is the placement of your keyboard. If it's too high, can it not be placed lower?

[ChingWan23]

Thx Thecorbyloon, the desks setting is 4 desks in a row, they linked up together so it has problem to adjust individually.

[ChingWan23]

I'm 5' and Sandac I sort of knew what you mean in the old time the computer desk is diff which the keyboard is lower and like a drawer slide in and out. Now all equipment lay on the deak