Work & Pregnancy

[Courts22]

Hello, I was after some help.

I am a support worker for people with learning difficulties and 21 weeks pregnant with my first child.

At work I’m not sure what I am allowed to do and what I’m not meant to do. My manager hardly puts my risk assessment in place let alone update it.

At work we have a lot of hoisting, wheelchairs and sometimes the PWS can push, shove and smack me.

Anyone else worked as a support worker and can offer me any help? I would be very grateful thank you in advance.

[roxannacar]

If your manager isn't helping you should ask for a specific occupational health assessment. It is their responsibility and your right so you need to make sure you ask for it. If theres chance of you being assaulted it doesn't sound like a good place to be in

[Angel90]

Aren't you have co-worker around? You would request your friends to understand your safety. Here i also work in chemicals site but my manager and other co-worker helps in my position.

Thank you and good luck ahead.

[Courts22 in reply to Angel90]

Some of my co workers are very good, others not so. Also we work with a lot agency who don’t know what they are doing and never been before.

Thank you very much

[emmab178]

I'm not a support worker but I had a risk assessment completed and a restricted duty plan put in place from telling my employer I was pregnant from 6 weeks because of chemical risks.

Your employer has a duty of care to you and your baby to protect you both from hazards. The maternity action website might be a good resource for you to look up your rights.

If you've been pushed or shoved make sure it's put down in your works accident book even if it resulted in no injury providing evidence that they ate ignoring the situation.

If they cannot put you in a safe position to be at work whilst being pennant they should offer you alternative work with no risks or send you home on full pay.

[Kingy1616]

Hi,

I work as a branch consultant placing support workers out in the community and in our pregnancy risk assessments we tell our support workers that they are not to do anything they don't feel able to do. So if you complete a task where you feel pulling or stretching e.g manual handling, going forward you no longer complete that task. We also don't allow our pregnant workers to work one to one with clients who present with challenging behaviour and are at risk of being pushed or shoved.

I believe pregnancy risk assessments have to be completed when you inform your employer that your pregnant, once you have had your dating scan and once you have had your 20 week scan. It also has to be updated if there are any developments in the pregnancy that are not 'normal' or are cause for concern. For example high blood pressure, pregnancy diabetes etc etc. It also has to be updated if you request for a review. My advice would be that if your manager doesn't complete your pregnancy risk assessment at these times that you formally request them in writing by email and keep a log.

The government website is good in terms of telling you what your rights are when your pregnant at work. If you don't feel your manager is supporting you then I would suggest going to your managers manager or the HR department. I would also suggest speaking to your midwife regarding concerns you have at work as they can also advise what you should and shouldn't be doing.

The important thing is that you are supported in your role otherwise it could lead to your midwife suggesting you go off sick.

Hope this helps and good luck x

[emmab178 in reply to Kingy1616]

This reply is spot on. Also in your maternity policy it should state the same information for need to do risk assessments as this is the minimum requirement by law.

[Prim5]

I also informed my manager at 8 weeks and nothing has been done till now. Am 12 weeks. I am a healthcare assistant. Not everyone at work is as understanding

[Baby-g]

Im the same. No assesment yet and have asked to drop hrs but im still on 8 shifts in a row with only 2 off before another 8. Advice needed.

[Courts22 in reply to Baby-g]

The only thing I can think of is keep on and on & go higher if need me. I don’t know if it’s correct for all places but at mine we was entitled to more sick days. Maybe take some of those until they take you seriously

[roxannacar in reply to Baby-g]

You should have a pregnancy assessment a d insist on that but doesn't meant they will necessary drop your hours. I did 10 hour shifts till 30 weeks then dropped to 8 hours from 30- 35. If you are struggling tho you might be able to drop hours earlier.

Remember that if your pay drops which will be the case if you work less then your maternity pay will probably be affected. My maternity pay was calculated on my 25pregnancy week.

My suggestions is have a read of the pregnancy and maternity policy to know your rights.