In the previous article, we looked at the ways in which creating a disability friendly workplace will be beneficial to both your staff and your business, and why awareness and education are a good place to start. This article will examine the changes that need to be made to the physical workplace to make it accessible to people with disabilities.
Making reasonable adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are required by law to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace to ensure that workers with disabilities aren’t substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs. Employers often view making physical adjustments as expensive and potentially obstructive to their current premises, but these changes are actually increasingly more affordable to implement. Many new buildings already meet requirements for accessibility, for example by having doors wide enough for wheelchairs, so you might not have to make many adjustments at all.
Ramps and handrails
If a building has steps either inside or outside, you will need to add ramps and handrails. By law, wheelchair ramps can have a maximum gradient of 1:20, so make sure you purchase your ramp from a professional company and don’t be tempted to bodge one yourself. Whilst a permanent ramp should be your ultimate goal, portable ramps are available and can be used in the meantime, or used in areas where installing a permanent ramp may cause an ongoing obstruction. Handrails and grab rails should also be installed where necessary.
Office furniture
How disabled people get in and around the building isn’t the only consideration for employers; comfort and ease of use in regards to office furniture is also crucial. A few simple modifications can make a big difference, such as:
- Height adjustable desks. Having a raised table allows a wheelchair to be accommodated and can be easily adjusted at the push of a button.
- Lateral filing cabinets. Having filing cabinets that are lower to the ground improves access for people who can’t reach higher drawers.
- Low-level lockers. Lockers that don’t require reaching provide convenient storage for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
Cables and plug sockets
Having cables lying around can be unsafe for the whole workforce, and not just people with a disability. Trailing cables should be housed in under desk cable trays, and employers should consider underfloor cable systems, as cables that have been run under carpets make floors uneven, which is a potential obstacle. Plug sockets must be accessible, as crawling under desks to locate a free socket isn’t possible for people with limited mobility.
More information on making reasonable adjustments to your workplace for employees with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions can be found on the GOV.UK website.