Too heavy to handle
My job involves lots of heavy lifting which I don't think is good for me or my baby but I can't afford to give up my job. What should I do?
You should tell your employer in writing that you are pregnant. Your employer then has a duty to carry out a 'risk assessment' of your working conditions.
If anything is found which jeopardises your health or that of your unborn child then your employer must remove that risk. In your case, your employer should make sure that you do not continue to lift. If your employer cannot remove lifting (or any other risk e.g. stress, dangerous working conditions) from your job then he should offer you a suitable alternative job on the same terms and conditions (pay etc). If there are no other jobs then he should suspend you on full pay.
You may find it useful to speak to your doctor or midwife and ask them to provide you with a letter stating how and why your job poses a risk to your health and safety.
For more information call the Health and Safety Executive on 0845 345 0055 or see www.hse.gov.uk
Working Families can also advise, please call our helpline on 0800 013 0313 or see www.workingfamilies.org.uk
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