To think the workload is too heavy for someone pregnant?

[EG12391]

I work nights in a residential care home, however it seems to be getting more and more like a nursing home, without the nurses!

I’m currently 22 weeks pregnant and have been having a tough pregnancy where I’ve been suffering badly from palpitations and breathlessness. I also miscarried in my last pregnancy and my workplace is aware of this.

Most of the shift is fairly easy going during the night, not too physically demanding as everyone is in bed. However, in the morning the night staff tend to be allocated the heavier residents to get up, as well as being allocated the most to get up also. And by heavier I mean the ones who aren’t able to stand up etc. So we have to physically assist, as well as using aids.

So I’m finding after every shift now I pull a muscle in my abdomen area and it’s so painful. I know if I was to work on days I would be on light duties and basically be a “floater”, that’s what the last person who was pregnant was, however I understand it is different on nights, but surely they should give myself and my colleague easier people to get up, or one less even?

The law says if the workload isn’t suitable then I should be given shifts that are more suitable, working days would be better physically, but I have a daughter at home and nights suit me childcare-wise so I’d rather not work days. And if they can’t find suitable work I should be sent home on full pay, well I know for a fact that wouldn’t happen, although that’s the law! And to be honest I wouldn’t want to burden them in that way, but I am finding it difficult and not fair that it’s interfering with my home life as I’m in so much pain after working and can’t play with my daughter!

Has anyone else experienced the same? And how did you go about it if so?

I work for a small private company so no HR. However last time I spoke to my Manager, where I saw her face to face, was a couple of months ago. Back then she said she was sorting out my risk assessment and will email it forward for me to have a look but still nothing. I know it’s my fault really for not chasing it up but I have had a couple of weeks where I was unwell with panic attacks one week and then covid another (it’s all going on!), but I’ll be going in to see her on Tuesday because enough is enough, putting myself and my baby first from now on!

You’re definitely right. I’m currently working and to be honest, I’m not going to rush this morning, and if I don’t do all the tasks I’m supposed to I don’t care to be honest. My colleague and I have the same tasks to do as the other pairs who work nights who don’t have a pregnant person on the team! And sometimes they have even 1 less person to assist in the morning! I don’t expect to be treated special, however I do expect my Supervisor to be considerate that I can’t be running around like I used to!

hope all goes well with the rest of your pregnancy 😊

@scoobydoo1971 what planet are you on? The DWP are not going to pay for a support worker to come and do the parts of the job the OP should no longer be doing while the OP stands around getting paid. This is between the OP and her employer.

When I was pregnant working on my hospital ward, my manager didn't let me do any manual handling. ask for another risk assessment and specify you shouldn't be doing pushing or pulling.

If your employer won't make allowances after you talk to them, go to your Doctor and get signed off sick. Then before your return to work ask again.
The care sector is desperate for good people, but if you destroy your health (and obviously the health of your child) then you won't be able to work after you have had the child.

I think you should be prepared to resign if your employer won't do what the law requires them to do (check how this affects your maternity pay first though).
It might be possible your Doctor will help you by providing you a letter to give to your employer.

If not go to Citizens advice.

The employer is willing to make allowances- they're offering day shifts but OP is saying she can't do them. If OP's contract is to do days and night shifts, then this is a reasonable request of her employer to ask.

My employer hasn’t said they are willing to make allowances by offering day shifts, my title os Night Care Assistant so my contract is most likely for nights only. I just said the law states they should offer suitable work if I can’t work my normal shift, so they could offer me day shifts however they aren’t suitable due to childcare. We only have 1 car and day shifts begin before the school run and end after the school run, so that’s why I only work nights as it fits in with my home life and childcare.

OP do you have access to Occupational Health via work? If not, speak to your GP about adjustments- fit notes aren't just to cover sickness, they can be for advised adjustments too.

No access as far as I’m aware, but I have been reading up about fit notes so I’m hoping to see my GP or Midwife on Monday and I’ll ask for one, thanks