Ok there's a bit of a back story first so bare with me.
I am 26 weeks, i work in a lab, i told work at 7 weeks that i was pregnant, so they could do a risk assessment.
Haven't had a risk assessment yet, but just have been doing everything in a fume hood with gloves etc.
Unfortunately an item of equipment which was in the fume hood, broke 3 weeks ago which was used to evaporate solvents off, Since then our alternative has been out in the lab as it wont fit in the fume cupboard.
I mentioned that i wasn't happy with this as everyone is inhaling solvent fumes pretty much constantly all day. Response to which was i'll order one tomorrow, only tomorrow never came.
Then last wed i ended up in triage have not felt the baby move since early morning and having spotting. All is well baby heartbeat heard and no spotting since, movements have slowly increased back to normal over the weekend.
The next day i went into work dragged my boss and his boss into an office and demanded a risk assessment, pointed out the equipment problem, and explained what happened.
Their solution is to ban me from the lab.
I feel very guilty about this as all my practical work has been dumped on everyone else.
My problem is how do i cope with the ribbing i'm getting ie being called lazy using pregnancy as an excuse to sit on my bum having everyone doing my work.
I know they are only doing it in joke, but it is really hitting a nerve. I need to learn to let it just wash over me. Any suggestions?
Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.
Pregnancy
Ribbing at work how to handle when an emotional wreck
spudnik1 · 24/06/2015 07:25
God, how terrifying, you poor thing. Can you find some anger and snap back at them? Do they know the full story? If not, I'd tell them and burst into tears for good measure, that'll sort it. They shouldn't be 'ribbing' you. I hate all this, 'it's just banter' bollocks. No, it's hurtful.
As for feeling guilty, bollocks to that too. You were quite happy to do your work, did all the right things and took risks that were out of your control to keep doing your work and that might have had tragic consequences. Now, eventually the bosses have realised, that at the very least you could sue the company and have put you on office work (I'm guessing). About bloody time! Find your anger, my love! I hope the rest of your pregnancy is happy and uneventful. 
ultimately they can suspend you on full pay if no suitable alternative job can be found, so "banning" you from the lab is a sensible approach while they explore what options are available. it's not a punishment, they are (slowly it would seem) doing the right thing to protect you 
Yes, following a risk assessment, if they cannot keep you and baby safe, you can be kept out of the lab.
What are you using? Here, there were two chemicals (one since substituted out) to be avioded. Solvents were generally OK.
Love SkiptonLass's retort. Don't think they even need to mention Banter, you can just use it anyway.
She's also got a load of good advice about how to use your time - I guess another 10 weeks or so? You might not be able to do the wet work, but there are loads of other things that can be usefully done - not academia, but here it would be ordering, paperwork, writing things up, prep'ing presentations. ie the boring stuff that noone likes doing - make it better for those doing your practical work!
Congrats on your pregnancy and 
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.