Track operative - colitis

[Rom91]

Hi, I recently applied for a track operative position and have recently had my medical on which I disclosed I have ulcerative colitis(IBD) which is under control and didnt seem a problem on interview but has made me question how do track workers go toilet? Do they stay on track the whole time? Do they have portable facilities or is it the nearest service station on breaks? Would hate to start a new job and find myself in a awkward position if I were to have any problems, any help much appreciated.

 

[Teddyward]

My father in law has crohns and has done alright on pway for the last 30 years. I’m sure he finds “somewhere” when the need is pressing.

 

[Rom91]

My father in law has crohns and has done alright on pway for the last 30 years. I’m sure he finds “somewhere” when the need is pressing.

Thanks for the reply, Was just for piece of mind, can pack a toilet roll an hope for the best lol but not always ideal when working in a team

 

[Gloster]

It might affect your ability to carry out certain duties, such as Lookout.

 

[Rom91]

Do you work on track? I mentioned this on interview but was never a issue

 

[Yzerman]

Wild poos are a common occurrence

 

[Undiscovered]

Don't eat the Bangers and Mash...

 

[Rom91]

Wild poos are a common occurrence

Do you work on track ?

 

[Yzerman]

Yes

 

[Rom91]

Yes

Do you ever get to use facilities? Or once your on the track you stay on the track? Daily poo in the bushes lol ?

 

[alxndr]

Options are:

1. Hope there is facilities to use. There was been some effort to improve things, but a lot of areas are still very lacking, especially at night and covid isn't helping.
2. Find somewhere secrete and secluded.
3. Wait (which may not be possible for you).

Most people will try to go beforehand so that they're not caught short, but that's not always possible for people with medical conditions and sometimes it just happens to anyone. I know of a couple of people who sometimes have to make a sharp exit for various reasons. If you do get caught out try to be sensible and considerate about it though, unfortunately sometimes I've come across places where people haven't been considerate, and that's not pleasant for anyone.

 

[Rom91]

Options are:

1. Hope there is facilities to use. There was been some effort to improve things, but a lot of areas are still very lacking, especially at night and covid isn't helping.
2. Find somewhere secrete and secluded.
3. Wait (which may not be possible for you).

Most people will try to go beforehand so that they're not caught short, but that's not always possible for people with medical conditions and sometimes it just happens to anyone. I know of a couple of people who sometimes have to make a sharp exit for various reasons. If you do get caught out try to be sensible and considerate about it though, unfortunately sometimes I've come across places where people haven't been considerate, and that's not pleasant for anyone.

Thanks for your advice much appreciated, what facilities do they normal have, is it just general public ones? I don’t have any need to go at night but I am regular around mid day, do you stay on track for your whole shift?

 

[alxndr]

Thanks for your advice much appreciated, what facilities do they normal have, is it just general public ones? I don’t have any need to go at night but I am regular around mid day, do you stay on track for your whole shift?

Often just public ones, occasionally there will be temporary cabins or portaloos, but mainly they'll only be around larger sites.

Depends on the work you'll be doing. Might be the same place on track all day (aside from time spent getting ready and packing up at the beginning and end of the shift) or you might move a couple of different locations.

You say you're regular around midday but it's worth considering whether shift work would disrupt this and made it more difficult for you to keep under control.

 

[Rom91]

Often just public ones, occasionally there will be temporary cabins or portaloos, but mainly they'll only be around larger sites.

Depends on the work you'll be doing. Might be the same place on track all day (aside from time spent getting ready and packing up at the beginning and end of the shift) or you might move a couple of different locations.

You say you're regular around midday but it's worth considering whether shift work would disrupt this and made it more difficult for you to keep under control.

Thanks for your reply, The role will be welding and grinding for network rail? I’ve done shift work before never been a problem and can keep it under control but just like everyone when youve gotta go you’ve gotta go lol just mine is always lunchtime.

 

[Yzerman]

I’d imagine most of the welding is done at night anyway so shouldn’t be too bad

 

[Rom91]

That’s what I was thinking but did say I would start off on the grinding, is that night work too?

 

[alxndr]

Grinding sometimes happens in daytime, but mostly still nights.