my working conditions

[Red and White]

my office has no window and the flourescent light above my head is flickering, only a slight flicker but very noticeable. ive asked for this to be fixed on a number of occaisons. head aches and eye strain are a common problem for me. is this legal? can i refuse to work in these conditions?

 

[J86]

Smash the light accidentally on purpose

 

[Coldzero]

Yes.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Firstly,

Ventilation

Workplaces need to be adequately ventilated. Fresh, clean air should be drawn from a source outside the workplace, uncontaminated by discharges from flues, chimneys or other process outlets, and be circulated through the workrooms.
Ventilation should also remove and dilute warm, humid air and provide air movement which gives a sense of freshness without causing a draught.

If the workplace contains process or heating equipment or other sources of dust, fumes or vapours, more fresh air will be needed to provide adequate ventilation. Windows or other openings may provide sufficient ventilation but, where necessary, mechanical ventilation systems should be provided and regularly maintained.

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg244.pdf

Are you getting headaches or eye strain because of the flickering, or is it a medical thing?

I'd lodge a formal complaint with a manager or health professional.

 

[MonkeyNews]

I'd say you have a case for complaint seeing as the flickering light is giving you a headache, dont refuse to work but bring it up with the manager of who refused to fix it.

 

[Red and White]

Firstly,

Are you getting headaches or eye strain because of the flickering, or is it a medical thing?

.

i have no medical issues so i can only presume its the light. its a weird sensation when i leave this room and go outside to go home. really shows how bad the light is. there is no ventalilation either no you mention it but that has never been to mch of a problem.

 

[Martins]

Grab the light at one end, turn it a quarter of a rotation, it will turn off..
I remember this as we weren't allowed to change lightbulbs where I used to work, had to get a qualified electrician to do that...

 

[I get around]

I'm pretty sure health and safety you need light diffusers to be fitted in offices now.
Also need a supply of fresh air, sounds as if you have neither so yes.

 

[Red and White]

Grab the light at one end, turn it a quarter of a rotation, it will turn off..
I remember this as we weren't allowed to change lightbulbs where I used to work, had to get a qualified electrician to do that...

cant its behind a panel and if i switch the lights off its pitch black

 

[apatia77]

Looks that the place you are working in is a Fully star out swear words!
It's probably against the law but a lot of companies/people do not care.

 

[red eye]

my office has no window and the flourescent light above my head is flickering, only a slight flicker but very noticeable. ive asked for this to be fixed on a number of occaisons. head aches and eye strain are a common problem for me. is this legal? can i refuse to work in these conditions?

go doctors and get a weeks sick note go back to work for a few days then go back to docs then have words with your health and safety rep if they dont do anything go talk to HSE.

what kind of work do you do were they put you in a room with no windows?

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

Say you have symptoms of legionnaires disease.
(I am 95% sure it is an issue with non-moving air).

On a serious note, tell your boss the light is flickering and as there is no natural light or air in the office it is giving you serious headaches, so bad in fact that you find it difficult to work and need it fixed asap as you are seriously concerned about your own health.

 

[red eye]

Looks that the place you are working in is a Fully star out swear words!
It's probably against the law but a lot of companies/people do not care.

its funny how when you put their heath and safety at risk the get all arsy with you

 

[Windle]

Say you have symptoms of legionnaires disease.
(I am 95% sure it is an issue with non-moving air).

On a serious note, tell your boss the light is flickering and as there is no natural light or air in the office it is giving you serious headaches, so bad in fact that you find it difficult to work and need it fixed asap as you are seriously concerned about your own health.

Legionnaires disease is actually to do with breathing in legionella bacteria found in stagnant/untreated water

 

[PhillyDee]

Legionnaires disease is actually to do with breathing in legionella bacteria found in stagnant/untreated water

And common with capped pipe ends where there is no flow, and air con / ventilation systems which are not serviced and cleaned regularly.

 

[RopAyy]

Sounds like a pretty terrible office to be working in!
I couldn't cope without a window or air flow!

 

[Mickie]

It would be interesting how much carbon dioxide builds up in the room with no ventilation.

This could also be giving you headaches.

 

[Red and White]

go doctors and get a weeks sick note go back to work for a few days then go back to docs then have words with your health and safety rep if they dont do anything go talk to HSE.

what kind of work do you do were they put you in a room with no windows?

you are right I should! thanks for the reply even though its 2 years later! Im still in the windowless room if anyone is interested. My career has stalled massively.

 

[Cosimo]

go doctors and get a weeks sick note go back to work for a few days then go back to docs then have words with your health and safety rep if they dont do anything go talk to HSE.

You need a sick note for reviving a two year old thread.

 

[red eye]

I did, didn't I