Looking for work advice (I think I work for cowboys 🤠) 🤬🤜

[Amanda86]

Hey all,

So I’m just looking for a bit of advice with work. They are basically idiots!

So back in April (when I was very early pregnant and before I had my chemical) I discussed lighter duties with my manager. I work in a care home and although my work is more to do with medication and care plans etc we have so many residents with more complex needs now that we also are involved in personal care tasks. So I basically discussed my concerns with moving and handling like using hoists/standaids as some residents don’t co-operate etc and push their full body weight onto you when trying to put on their sling etc. My manager basically laughed in my face and said she’d never heard the likes of it and has worked with lots of pregnant woman. I then went on to have a chemical pregnancy so that was that.

I’m now pregnant again (15+4). My deputy manager has known from day one and my manager from 7 weeks. A risk assessment was only done a few days ago, it was done by my deputy who did it without me being there? She approached me in a room full of staff to say I’ve done your risk assessment, it’s basically just a tick box with yes/no and I’ve completed in. No mention of any risks or anything like that. So I speak to my colleague and tell her what I was told in April (by manager) light duties isn’t an option, never heard such a thing. She tells me that’s funny because a girl pregnant here (before I stated who has now left) was on light duties while pregnant, not allowed to do x,y and z.

So I call HR and they say that the risk assessment needs to be completed with me present as it’s a risk assessment about me. Although she didn’t say for 100% things I could and couldn’t do in terms of moving and handling she said each pregnancy is different and what might be ok for someone might not be ok for someone else. She said anything I feel I shouldn’t be doing or could be a risk I should discuss with my manager who should then adapt my duties and offer me alternative duties (yet in April she basically laughed at me when suggesting some duties were too much).

So I’m just wondering has anyone done this line of work and how did you get on?

I do feel after 3 losses and 3 rounds of IVF to become pregnant that this should be classed as a high risk pregnancy and I feel disgusted that my management don’t seem too care!

A friend said to me just go off sick if you can’t do the job. That annoyed me. I can do my job, I just don’t feel I should be doing heavy duties which could potentially put me and baby at risk. 😡

Sorry for the rant guys. Xxx

[Hidden]

They sound like right pains! Could you see your doctor who could give you a sort of sick note to say light duties? I work in a GP surgery and have heard this but not sure if it’s something they could give you as I don’t deal with that side of things. If not maybe ask them to write a letter explaining your concerns but you might have to pay for this xx

[Amanda86 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I think this is what I might do, they are pains! In my work is seems to be a case of if your face fits, they’ll bend over for some and others are just expected to get on with things.

I also sometimes work with an agency (doing the same job) and the man there who does pregnancy risk assessments also represents people in court for moving and handling work claims. I’ll have a risk assessment with him early January and I’m really hoping he’ll be able to give me some advice on exactly what rights I have xxx

[Hidden in reply to Amanda86]

Same with my place about fitting in but they wouldn’t dare mess up when it come to pregnant women although they can be difficult for when it’s time to go back with hours and when to work which I will have to look forward to!

Its just so frustrating when everything we’ve been through and simple things like that are made so much harder and stress us out xx

[Amanda86 in reply to Hidden]

Your so right it’s very frustrating! What annoys me is if it was them it would be a different story, they just have no compassion for anyone else.

Apparently my work are the exact same when it comes to return to work if you wish to change your hours etc, can’t wait for that 😂

Xxx

[Hidden in reply to Amanda86]

Oh joy something to look forward to then lol. You would think it’s a crime to have children xx

[Squeak2]

I work in a few care settings. In supported living I still do all my duties but in residential care I don’t do moving and handling as the folk I work with are adults with disabilities. That will obviously change when I’m back to work but before loosing the baby I got lucky with my workplaces. Good luck with your job xx

[Beebeestar]

Sorry to say but you are working with cowboys if there was a risk assessment completed without you present. Is that even legal???

I would take this up with your manager and put this in writing to her if she’s not listening.

The point of a risk assessment is that you discuss things that may be risk to you and how you can both manage it. If this is not done. She might have completed the form, but she has not by law done a risk assessment. You need to take this further. Going to a doctor etc, I don’t think is necessary until you have your assessment at work.

[Amanda86 in reply to Beebeestar]

I wouldn’t imagine it’s legal, you wouldn’t believe but it’s a huge company I work for and I can’t believe they think this is appropriate.

My manager is currently on annual leave and not back until January (this is why my deputy did my risk assessment) but I’ll definitely take it up with her when she is back as it’s a complete joke really! xxx

[emmab178]

Hi

Completely illegal and your manager is wrong, any other conversations where she dismisses your worries should be documented by you of what was said afterwards with time and date. Your account (as long as written down) can be used as evidence. Ask her also to put this in writing if she doesn't back down from this ridiculous position.

Look at the maternity action website where they also have a helpline for enquiries. They should be able to provide advice for how to take things further.

As you get bigger or things come up in the pregnancy the risk assessment should be redone. One risk at 15 weeks maybe ok but not at +30 weeks.

Also check with maternity action but i think the person who does the risk assessment has to be qualified. Doesnt sound like the deputy is if you weren't present.

Good luck x

[Amanda86 in reply to emmab178]

Thanks Emma. That’s what I’m going to start doing is putting things in writing.

I’ll have a look at that website - thanks again xxx

[Squeak2]

Doesn’t your company have any kind of maternity policy? It should cover any risk assessments and recommendations as to how to keep you and your unborn baby safe. I’m sure it’s a legality in our field of work! xx

[Amanda86 in reply to Squeak2]

Would you believe they have loads of policies but none specifically for this. They have my rights for maternity leaves, antenatal classes etc. They have a risk assessment policy but nothing which actually discusses moving and handling while pregnant xxx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

Maybe ask if you can meet with an hr manager present?