I'm getting back pain and still haven't had a risk assessment - I've tried using cushions in my chair but with no real improvement - is my employer legally bound to help me of do I just have to start my maternity leave?
2007-06-19 22:42:01 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I've spoken to my manager (who doubles as Personeel Manager) and the MD only to be told that the person to carry out the assessment has been advised but is very busy to give him time
2007-06-19 23:03:15 · update #1
all employers have the obligation to risk assesment if they employ over 5 people or employ pregnant or disabled people. yes your employer should help more and get you diffrent seating etc
2007-06-19 22:46:47 · answer #1 · answered by mummy of 5 girls <3 <3 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am 31 weeks and hoping to work until i am 36 weeks but if things do get too much i am prepared to bite the bullet and just take my leave.
I have had the same problem with back ache and posture as i can't get my belly near my desk my shoulders etc hurt. I also get a really numb bum but have now ensured i take more breaks and have a walk about - no one minds much because i will make tea!!!
I have also brought in some pillows and just taken a normal chair rather than using my office chair. The normal chair is lower and it means i can get my belly a little closer.
Your employer is legally bound to help you and you should have the risk assessment. I have been informed by a friend that in the later stages of pregnancy she sat on a fit ball (Yoga Ball) and found this helped her posture loads.
My theory was if they won't help then help yourself, my back - my baby!!!!
Good luck - and have some rest before the baby comes even if it is just a week - you will never have this time again!!
2007-06-20 06:23:00 · answer #2 · answered by Babble 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your employer is legally bound to do a risk assessment as you are pregnant, you should have had one when you told them you were pregnant and another should have been done EVERY MONTH throughout your pregnancy.
As they havent done any at all they have broken the law. Tell them today that you are suffering with backache and get yourself checked out by your Doctor.
You are entitled to sick leave, but they are also entitled to start your maternity leave at any point after 15 weeks before the baby is due, so if you go off sick they may start your maternity leave at any point.
I hope this has helped, Good Luck :)
2007-06-20 05:56:56 · answer #3 · answered by Splash-the-cash.co.uk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u should have had a risk assessment at 12 weeks, and then updated every so often to see how u were getting on and how u were feeling with ur roll in the work place. i started my maternity at 35 weeks because my work place didn't want to take the time to make sure me and my baby wasn't at any risk. the only thing i can say is if u do start it at 35 weeks make sure u have things planned to keep u busy cause by weeks 37/38 u will be ready to have your baby with u.
2007-06-20 07:59:15 · answer #4 · answered by hartigan18 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most firms wont let you take paid sick leave with 6 weeks of your due date, they can force you to start your maternity and hence claim SMP. You could have course get signed off unpaid sick. Thats what happened to us, plus if they haven't done a rick assessment by now take them to a tribunal cos they have broken the law (you should have had your first one at 18 weeks depending on the type of job you have) then
2007-06-20 06:32:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hun i had the same problem and i work for the NHS and i didn't know what to do! I went to HR for some information and they told me as soon as i found out that i was expecting my manager should of done a risk assessment in my work place. If any thing does happen and i hope nothing does its down to your manager and you can take he/her to court as they are eligible..
2007-06-20 08:10:48 · answer #6 · answered by janine e 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, if you're in any pain or any sort of physical difficulty then you are still entitled to sick leave the same as any other employee; and I'd sugest you take some if your employer is refusing to co-operate with a risk assessment.
2007-06-20 05:46:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dont go on sick leave!!!! They will just start your maternity pay from then.
contact your HR dept (if you are in a big company) and ask them to send someone round to do a risk assesment. If they dont call again and make them aware that they are legally bound to do so.
If it is a small company, contact your manager and let him/her know that you are struggling for comfiness and you know that they have to do a risk assesment, and youd like the to carry one out.
It is the law
2007-06-20 05:51:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your condition suggests that it's time for you to leave work until after the baby is born. Take your sick leave It's better than endangering your health and that of your baby. Also, if you have any vacation or personal days left, take them now. When the sick leave runs out, then begin your maternity leave. .
2007-06-20 05:51:23 · answer #9 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your employer should have completed a risk assessment with you and should do the best they can to help you throughout your prengnacy. you should speak to you manager about any problems that you are having.
2007-06-20 05:53:31 · answer #10 · answered by BigFish 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋