Disability: Equality Act 2010

[clio222]

Hi hoping for some guidance around "Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace". In particular when modifications have been made to enable persons normal access/egress into a premises. The question I have is that some part of the same workplace (Building) have incorporated reasonable adjustments, however other parts have not ?? ( Alternative Means of exit - Fire Exit). Surely the whole premises should be taken into consideration not just the normal entrance/exit and is there and legislation to enforce this. Thanks
PS this is an old building

[witsd]

I'm by no means experienced with the EA, but I would suspect that the correct way to approach this is by working with the individual(s) it concerns.

If their job role means that they are never going to go into the part of the building that hasn't been adapted, and crucially they are happy with that arrangement then I don't see a need to make any further adaptations at this time. What you need to ensure is that they understand that if this changes the company will be happy to make the amendments - if you start giving off 'you are a nuisance' vibes then you will be on shaky ground, both morally and legally.

[Messy]

I am also not an expert in the EA but in relation to fire escapes, there is no need to make them accessible in terms of everyone being able to use them independently

As long as staff who require assistance have a PEEP and perhaps relevant equipment or staff or procedures to help them in an emergency, that is enough

The Head Office for my firm has 11 final exits - only two are accessible to all (ie step free)

[clio222]

Thanks for the comment witsd,
I,m intrigued “If their job role means that they are never going to go into the part of the building that hasn't been adapted”. As this is a means of escape they may well never go into this part of the building normally, however if there is a fire and this is their only means of escape I would have thought that during the front door modification this should have been taken into consideration ??

[witsd]

Thanks for the comment witsd,
I,m intrigued “If their job role means that they are never going to go into the part of the building that hasn't been adapted”. As this is a means of escape they may well never go into this part of the building normally, however if there is a fire and this is their only means of escape I would have thought that during the front door modification this should have been taken into consideration ??

Sure, if it's an escape that would make logical sense to use when evacuating from where they may be. If they would have to pass multiple alternate routes, including other places of temporary safety such as protected stairwells, then maybe not.

[ohreally]

Have trade union H&S reps been included in developments?

[harrik18]

Sadly due to health and safety , disability equality act , does not exist , i worked for 27 years in a SHOP that turned around and made us wear safety footwear , due to my deformed foot i was unable to , for the first 8 years i forced my foot into these impossible footwear , high on opiode painkillers to get through the day , spending 2 hours a night soaking my foot ready for the next day . In the end i had to quit my job i loved because i am TOO DISABILED for it . my foot is now perminantely damaged , Now i am unemployed and unemployable ...

[WillPool]

Harrick

Welcome to the forums

Sorry to hear about what you had to go through, it sounds like the shop employer did not understand their responsibilities properly.

Will

[Alexis]

Hello Harrick and a very warm welcome.

I too am very sorry to hear of your difficulties with employers who do not understand. Awful for you!

I do hope you will find a position with bosses who do understand and implement your requirements.