Work Conditions in Freezing Temperatures

weeal | 11:28 Tue 05th Jan 2010 | Jobs & Education

6 Answers

I just want to know really if I have done the correct thing.

Our branch was left with no heating over xmas week as the roads were so bad the plumber couldnt get to us, therefore the pipes froze - badly - there were icicles hanging from the taps and ice in the WC's. Needless to say the pipes burst and flooded the rear of the premises and common stairwell.

I have been asking all over the holidays if things would be workable for starting back today, the Branch Manager informed me that they "should be ok" by opening this morning. We all turned up to find the heating hadnt been fixed, there was no running water or toilet facility (and the ceiling had caved in) despite the plumber having the spare key.

I came home, I wasnt prepared to sit in the office under those conditions but was mad that nobody had sorted it for staff returning. The attitude from the Manager was that we could use the loo in a neighbouring shop.

Now Im worried that I look like a woos, and shouldnt have left the workplace.

Phrases and sayings

off work coz of the snow

Answers

1 to 6 of 6

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by weeal. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.

weeal

Question Author

When I say freezing I mean MINUS 9 today.
It was minus 14 over the holidays.

factor-fiction

This may help. http://www.hse.gov.uk.../faqs/temperature.htm

weeal

Question Author

Thanks Factor30 that clarifies the temperature bit anyway, I will see what it says about being without water or loo facilities.

Teleph0ne

A place of work needs to have access to toilet facilities, hand washing facilities, hot water and drinking water. I know we all want the perfect environment to work in but businesses are struggling at the moment and need all the help they can get from their staff. It is a 2 way street though and if your manager aranged alternative facilities for you then he was at least trying

weeal

Question Author

Thanks telephone, and I agree with you but there is no way I shouldve been in a flooded office with no heating. The leaking pipe was still leaking, the manager hadnt attended to it in a week.

You can catch a right chill sitting in conditions like that.

Teleph0ne

Well you should lead from the front so if he wouldn't sit in it then why should you!

1 to 6 of 6

Do you know the answer?