Returning to work after operation - advice needed!

[Queen_Elsa]

Hello!

So, I’m after a bit of advice.. I broke my right wrist (dominant hand) in June this year, after a failed manipulation I ended up having an ORIF (plate and pins etc) after 4 weeks in cast. I then had a further 6 weeks in a splint and physio.

I returned to work 2 weeks ago, my role includes some desk based work eg typing and some driving. I have not had any sort of return to work assessment or interview, I no longer have a desk or permanent workstation and I’m “hot desking.” My wrist has been sore and I’m just wondering if there’s anything my employer should be doing to help me.
Literally nobody has asked how I’m doing

[keith1973]

Given the amount of time you’ve had off you should be gradually introduced back into the work place I’d also be asking if your like an occupational heath assessment but for my company I need your approval first.

[scooby99]

At the very least, your employer’s DSE assessor needs to carry out a DSE assessment ASAP on you seated at a workstation to see how to set-up the desk/chair/screen/mouse etc for you.
During the assessment, particularly bearing in mind your injury, they should be asking if you’re experiencing any issues. When you advise them of your pain, they are obliged to put equipment or adjustments in place to address & resolve this.

[Queen_Elsa]

I thought so, I’m just a bit surprised that I’ve had absolutely nothing.
I’ll look into DSE assessment tomorrow 👍🏻

[NewtoOrlando]

You should have a DSE assessment and should have had a phased return to work (although, I know that this is what happens with my employer, NHS)

[Blue nose]

If you are desk based try and move your mouse to your left hand to allow you right to heal/rest. Put your phone/coffee on the left too.

Definitely speak to your manager if you are struggling. Have an idea of what may help.

[lizzie145]

A DSE will only help if you know what you need. I suggest that you have a think about what is causing an issue. It could be just using it too much too soon or it could be that the mouse is wrong.

There are lots of ergonomic mice like the penguin! roller balls often help.
You can also seek advice from occupational health

[sully301]

Have you told your boss that your wrist is sore. They may not realise

[Queen_Elsa]

Originally Posted by sully301

Have you told your boss that your wrist is sore. They may not realise

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Yeah they know, they said it’ll just be my wrist getting used to moving again.
I’ll explore the different mouse options though.

[Claudette]

Originally Posted by Queen_Elsa

I’m just wondering if there’s anything my employer should be doing to help me.
Literally nobody has asked how I’m doing

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There are definitely things that your employer should be doing to help you. Although I think you need to ask. You are returning five months after a broken wrist, I think it is reasonable that they would imagine you are fully recovered by now, I therefore think the onus was on you to tell them otherwise.

If they do not make some accommodations for you after you have initiated those conversations, then yes, I would say they are being unreasonable. It certainly sounds like they and you should be building up to increased use of the wrist, a phased return as somebody has suggested would be one option.