broken ankle

[vespaboy]

On Saturday I stepped back off a machine I had been dieselling and turned my ankle in an uncovered drainage channel, as it went over I heard a loud crack.

I drove the machine for about 45 minutes but it was clear my ankle had been damaged as the pain was worsening so I returned to our mess room.

I went to hospital and after x-ray it was found I had broken my fibula where it attaches to the ankle ligaments as well as damaging the ligaments, I am in a split cast to allow for the swelling to go down until Friday and then will be in a full cast for upto 6 weeks.

My works asked me not to have any time off sick to avoid a 'lost time accident' statistic. However I was/am in so much pain I am staying off until at least next Monday.

Questions:
1) Should I return to work on Monday with my leg in plaster? I work in a Power station so it is a very dirty and industrial atmosphere and I do get full salary when off sick.
2) If i do return to work are they liable for me or am i responsible for my welfare.
3) How long will the healing process take? I am 40 years old and play football regularly, will I be able to play again?
4) Am I entitled to compensation? I am a TGWU union member.
5) will the Company hold the accident against me? evenmore so if I pursue a compensation claim?

[Eve]

If you feel you need the time off sick then discuss it with your GP and ask their advice and whether they would cover any recommended absence with a sick note to cover you at work.

If you are certified unfit to work then you are not covered by your work's insurance and a liability by being there.

The type of job you do should be taken into account when deciding whether it is wise to go back and you should consult with your employer and have a risk assessment done as to what you can and cannot do safely and whether they can give you other more suitable duties eg desk based admin work.

We have nowhere near enough information to even start to advise on 3 and 4, this should be discussed with your doctor and a solicitor.

As regards 5, in a perfect world no but life doesn't quite work like that. If you feel there may be a problem then seek union and legal advice, make sure you keep records of everything and get as much in writing as possible and keep your union rep involved.

[Lonnie]

1) I'd Consult your GP or Hospital for their advice, it'll lend weight if you decide, rightly. I think, to stay at home, but as for going to work, you don't say what you actually do, can you get to work?, and if so, can you do the job?, although in my firm, even htough they prefer you to return )light duties etc), if your sick at home, they can't do anything about it.
2), have your emploers asked you to return, if so, ask them where you stand should returning to work agrevate your injury in any way.
3) I broke my ankle a few years ago, took three months to heal, (still have the pin in), I play Table Tennis to a fairly high standard, so I would think if you look after it, you should play again,
4), Compesation, all I can say on that, is see what your union say, but if the drainage channel should have been covered, it sounds as if you have a claim,
6), If you do claim, and its a big company, it'll be a long drawn out affair, but if you have a good union rep, he/she will see that they don't.

Not much, but I hope it helps.

[vespaboy]

thanks for the advice everybody!
will talk to all people as suggested
On another note I have a ticket for Glastonbury Festival which is in 7-8 weeks time but i can only get a refund (�175 so not cheap) if I cancel by Friday 8th May which is when my next hospital appointment is. Am in 2 minds whether to cancel or not, any suggestions??

[Greedyfly]

I broke my ankle in december - I had to have surgery and I couldnt attend glasto this year, I am still suffering with the pain. Although your break doesnt sound as bad - the swelling will be a nightmare for quite some time, I would be surprised if you went to glasto and enjoyed it, I can imagine it being rather uncomfortable so soon after breakeing it. I work stood up all day - and it is not at all fun. Its up to you obviously and how quick you heal, but standing for so long etc... could be a real strain on your ankle so soon after - I assume you will need physio too, which I am still attending after 5 months. It does take a while to get the joint moving again properly, so you may be pushing it little too much going - might be worth giving the GP a ring for some advice?

[Greedyfly]

Hope it heals quick for you and that it all goes smoothly.

[Greedyfly]

Also sorry for the mass posting but I personally wouldnt return to work in plaster - oits an absolute nightmare, the swelling and pain isnt worth it really. Rest is the key initially. I wa soff work for 3 months with mine and im still not back fully. Its annoying just sitting round etc... but if you push it it will only take longer.

[vespaboy]

thanks for taking the time to reply Greedyfly, think I'll have to cancel Glastonbury until next year will probably book Bestival in its place as this is not on until September.
Thanks again!