In the UK as a whole, wheelchair users represent roughly only 4% of all disabled people. However because of their lack of mobility they are probably one of the most challenged groups when it comes to accessibility issues in the workplace.
For this reason its important for those employers that can to introduce measures in their general working environment that can assist wheelchair users. There are three reasons for this firstly on a practical level it will help their disabled employees with access and mobility around their workplace and therefore improve their productivity and performance. Secondly it will make disabled workers feel more valued by the company and therefore they will be more loyal. Thirdly by following correct safety guidelines you will be ensuring that you fulfill your obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act and other related legislation.
Employers advertising disability jobs must adhere to current legislation which encourages them to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to remove barriers and accommodate wheelchair mobility. However workplace policies to help wheelchair users cannot always be practically implemented for various reasons including disruption to other non disabled workers.
A good example of this is the kitchen scenario, lets say senior managers decide to install a low sink for wheelchair users. This might be fine for the wheelchair users but no so useful for a member of staff who has a bad back and cannot bend down. In the above scenario if the low sink is installed then it may upset and cause friction with certain workforce colleagues. Non disabled staff might see it as favouritism or even political correctness ‘gone mad’.
These are sensitive areas and managers should consult thoroughly will all parties before making decisions. The last thing you want is to cause friction between different members of staff.
Below is a list of practical points that employers should address:
- Ensuring the emergency exits comply with health & safety legislation as regards facilitating wheelchairs.
- Well firstly they should always consult with all members of staff before they make any major alterations to building or facilities. This way everyone will be on board and there will be no problems later on.
- Stair lifts with a wheelchair platform to assist getting up steps.
- Ramps can be installed on the outside of building to assist in gaining access.
- Special toilet facilities that allow wheelchair access.
- Low level reception counters can be more user friendly and practical.
- Height adjustable office desks can be very useful to someone in a wheelchair.
Installing facilities for wheelchair users can mean expenditure and disruption to a organisation. As with most things in the real world implementation of positive practises usually comes down to money. Past experience has shown that it is mostly large private and public sector organisations with deep pockets that are more able to afford and absorb these extra costs, no matter how beneficial they are to their staff.
Learn more about Manual or Motorized Wheelchair and Foldable Wheelchair by going to thebestwheelchair.com
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