to tell my manager that I can't do normal duties due to heat

[bytheMoonlight]

I am a collections driver and 23 weeks pregnant.

Temperatures in our area are set to reach 30 today and I will be stuck in a red hot van with no air conditioning.

AIBU if I tell him I cannot go out and do my collection and need to do other work inside?

Well I think I would ask rather than tell - but maybe because I' a manger.

An explanation and a polite request might get you further

Aren't there H&S temperature limitations which apply to all employees, not just pregnant ones? Of course there are. Use those, and get your colleagues to lobby for aircon to be fitted in vans!

In practice of course I would ask KatyMac, My question was rather 'should I tell my manager I don't feel comftable working in the van in this heat or should I just get on with it rather than a question of how to commincate with him

I think it might be reasonable to explain it's a bit hot

Well I would hope even my manager would realise that

There are no laws about higher temps only lower ones. This was the answer I got when I spoke to my manager about my furnace like office. She has given permission to work at another site with aircon today. Thank goodness.

I am overheating in normal temps so dreading a hot day in the office. Luckily since I went back it's been raining so temps fairly normal. They were reporting 30+ before I went back

It's likely to make you actually ill given that you are pregnant, so I think requesting a risk assessment is very sensible.

As per valleyqueen there are no laws about high temps at work, because most catering kitchens as well as obvoius places like steel furnaces etc. have to function at high temps. There are laws about low temps I think.

I think it is fair enough to ask for a risk assessment in view of your condition and the temps.

D

You are right about there being laws about low temps only.

I would not get her back up by telling her you can't work in the heat. I would ask if you could do other duties. Be prepared for her to say no, though.

have you had a risk assessment?

Yes I had a risk assessment when I was 20wks but it was very quick and nothing was mentioned about the heat.

Non uniform is a no no, I was told I need to get a doctors note to allow me to wear different shoes.The current ones are heavy and making my ankles swell. Uniform is part of H&S. So fully kitted out with great big boots, high visablitly jacket and thick work trousers and top.

I got through the last bit of heat we had by constantly stopping and buying callipo ice lollies to suck on inbetween pick ups. Cooling spray is a fab idea and will pick one up over the weekend.

Oh well, chin up and get on with it I guess.

BtM-

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations specifically state that employers have to assess any risks to pregnant women from extremes of heat as pregnant women tolerate heat less well. www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1999/19993242.htm#16

I'd suggest that you chat to your manager and, together, you agree on the best approach. Sticking air-con in isn't going to happen instantaneously, of course, but your employer should take reasonable steps to minimise the risk. That could be allocating less collections / ensuring you have additional breaks / access to water etc. It may be, of course, that allocating you alternative duties is the only course of action suitable. Be reasonable but ensure that a record is kept.

Personally, even pregnant, I enjoy the summer... it's my favourite day of the year

The doctor should be able to give you a note detailing what should be done to alter your workplace/conditions should he/she feel it necessary. I was signed off from 33 wks until the end and there was a big section on the form for alterations etc.

Are you the one driving op? I woudl be concerned about fainting at the wheel!

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