Are there laws that I should know about as far as my rights at work?

Question

I am 8 months pregnant and I'm EXHAUSTED! I work M-F 8 hours each day on my feet. My manager is HORRIBLE! He has always been sexist and he still has me putting away shipment-this includes constant bending down and picking up things of various weights and I cant take it! I tried to say something but he just says 'take your time' but then when i do he just gives me 10 other things to do and acts like I am lazy! I dont know what to do! Should I just tough it out until I am on leave? How bad is stress on the baby exactly? PLEASE HELP ME!!!

egg_sammash · Accepted Answer

I'm not certain about this but I would think that pregnancy does not excuse you to a job of less labor.  Check with you HR department on that though.  Also you can check the EEOC.  
Good luck to ya.  I know that must be hard.  I'm 34 wks preg now.

Anonymous · Answer

ur employee union should help and get a doctors note/ letter explaining what is and isnt safe for you at work.

you should have had some form of risk assesment of ur pregnancy and steps taken to accomadate it.

possable health risks to u and your baby from stretching and/or heavy lifting can be smaller injuries like 
pulled muscles,
torn ligaments, 
you could also do damage to your spine 
your knees 
as well as the possability of tearing or damaging the placenta which can lead to heavy bleeding, distress for the baby, early labour and maybe even a possability of death for either of you( im sorry to be frightening you but this is highly unlikely with immediate care but still a risk.)

Smiley One · Answer

Talk to your doctor. You shouldn't be lifting such heavy objects. I'm not sure where you are but i'm in Australia. Here, if you have a letter from the doctor, the employer is required (where possible) to shift you to lighter duties if it is unsafe for you and baby.

Stress isn't good for baby either - remember, what you feel baby feels. If you are anxious and distressed then your baby can feel that.

You do have rights - talk to your doctor - at the very least they can refer you on to the appropriate agency to contact.

Best of luck

Mariposa · Answer

Talk to your doctor and get a doctor's note with work restrictions. Your boss may want to help you, but without a note, he runs the risk of other employees viewing him as favoring you and taking it easy on you.

Pantherempress · Answer

Call your local employee protection agency. In the breakroom they are suppose to post posters about your rights, if they don't they are breaking the law.

Bunk · Answer

I agree with Mariposa... talk to your dr. Stress is not good on the baby or you right now.

Anonymous · Answer

You have a lawsuit in your hands baby! Don't stick it out, your boss is not treating you right.

Trending News

Are there laws that I should know about as far as my rights at work?

7 Answers