Can my employer stop me sitting down while working???

Question

i work operating a machine in an engineering factory. I would benefit from being able to sit down and this would not affect my work or cause a safety issue. under eu or uk law what are my rights regarding this matter? Are they obliged to provide seating or can they stop me sitting?

Answer 1

An employer must provide a safe system of work and must have regard to the health (present and future) of his employees. So if you develop health problems eg, bad back, because of their system of work you have a right to claim compensation. Obviously you prevent getting a bad back, so a word with your union should put the employer in line.

Answer 2

I would suppose it is a health and safety matter and would need some form of hazard or risk assessment but if there is no such reason there is no way they can stop you sitting during your work unless they feel for some reason it would reduce productivity or somehow affect your performance.

I would speak to your employer about the matter as they will let you know if you can or cannot sit whilst working and if not they should be able to give you reasonable justification to your decision.

Answer 3

If you need to sit for medical reasons ...ie... bad back or other problems your employer has to take this into account and supply you with a chair as long as it isn't against the regulations of the position you working, they have to be aware of the human rights and every body has these, in any work you do in a work place should not compromise you health in way or form the best way is to have a chat with your boss and let him or her no your feelings and needs. Hope this helps :o)
Also before you put this to your boss do a risk assessment so you can show your boss that the chair will not cause any obstruction or hazard to any other employer including yourself.

Answer 4

Hello, Read your employers contract see what you signed for, Or sit down and see what happens 10-1 someone at work will say, you dont do it like that you do it like this!lifes a b*tch?

Answer 5

If you can provide medical proof of the need to sit that is probably a "reasonable accommodation" and as long as it is not a hazard they need to let you. Other than that,you are out of luck.

Answer 6

Doubt they are "obligated" to provide seating. Here in the U.S. factories can require you to stand during working hours unless you have filed for "accomodations" when you hired in there.

Answer 7

check the contract you signed at the start of employment, if nothings there relating too this get medical note from gp stating you cannot stand for long periods..all depends how fair ure employer is..

Answer 8

If standing causes you unnecessary discomfort, your employer is breaking the law.

Answer 9

the only way the CAN NOT stop you is if it's for medical reasons and you provide a medical note from your physician.

Answer 10

No one can tell you to stand or sit. Report it.