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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Risk assessment

13 replies

darksideofbuttonmoon · 16/07/2013 11:29

I'm 14 weeks pregnant with my first, and without giving too much away, I work in a job which puts me at risk of violence. I've been asking my managers for a risk assessment since I told them about my pregnancy at about 5 weeks. I've chased and I've chased but so far nothing.
I'm due to go back tomorrow after some time off on leave. Before I went off I sent another email asking that something be put in place by the time I get back, but what can I do if they haven't? If I understand the hse website correctly they should have done one when I told them, but what can I do if work refuse/carry on dragging their feet?
TIA!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

FraggleRock77 · 16/07/2013 11:57

I'm in the same situation and my manager has been very supportive so i really feel for you at the moment.
I would escalate the issue higher if you can and go to any meeting well prepared. Good luck xxx

plentyofsoap · 16/07/2013 12:01

Hi I think we may work at a similar place. I had mine done first day and adjustments have been straight away including reduction in hours. My midwife has checked that they are not putting me at risk and I printed out the measures they need to put in place and follow. Contact hr or your union if they don't. I had a poor experience with work last pregnancy and complained in the end but I have better managers this time round. I will never put baby at risk its just a job.

CheeseFondueRocks · 16/07/2013 12:03

If they can't adjust your working conditions, they will have to sign you off on full pay. It should get their arses into gear.

SourSweets · 16/07/2013 12:06

I had this problem too, I went over my boss's head to higher management and also to HR. it was awkward because she ended up getting a disciplinary for failing her duty of care (other issues beyond the risk assessment) but worth it as my working duties were made a lot easier and more comfortable.

Original poster

darksideofbuttonmoon · 16/07/2013 12:14

Thanks for the replies. Sometimes I feel like I'm over reacting (even though deep down I know I'm not), so it's good to get some support on here.
They keep going on about putting something into place 'when I'm showing' like that makes any difference to the baby's safety!
I'm definitely going to go in a lot more assertively tomorrow!

OP posts:

ReikiMummy · 16/07/2013 12:22

Don't wait Darksideofbuttonmoon - Not overreacting at all.

It needs to be sorted. Had a similar issue and eventually when the HR dept found out I was pregnant they were not happy they hadn't been told by my (former) boss on the day I told him. :S

badguider · 16/07/2013 12:26

Do you know how to do risk assessments yourself? If so, I would set a meeting with your boss and do it together - you'll know as well as anybody what the risks are and their liklihood and consequences... once you have that written down you can ask them what they're going to do about mitigation...

If you don't have experience of risk assessment then there are probably some pretty good resources online if you fancy looking it up first.

CheeseFondueRocks · 16/07/2013 12:33

Wait til you're showing???? With a first baby that could well be after 20 weeks. Your manager is on seriously dodgy ground here. Maybe talk to your midwife or GP and get them to write a few lines of what adjustments should be made.

plentyofsoap · 16/07/2013 13:24

Like Cheese said I would be tempted to go to the docs or midwife if they don't sort it out. I got very stressed with work during my last pregnancy by they way the treated me and if it had happened again I would have just got signed off.

Gerty1002 · 16/07/2013 13:36

Have you told them in writing that you're pregnant? I'm afraid your maternity rights don't kick in until you do, so you wouldn't have a leg to stand on legally. You can do this at any stage of pregnancy. Make sure you do it ASAP!

CheeseFondueRocks · 16/07/2013 13:42

Actually, you don't have to tell your work you're pregnant in writing at all, as long as you tell them. I had legal advice on this 2 years ago with my last pregnancy. If she told them, she told them. Even though, written proof would be good if they are arsey and claim they didn't know.

I'd write an email/letter whatever saying you're reminding them for the last time that due to your pregnancy, which you informed them of on xxxx, you expect a risk assessment with 1 week and if you don't get it, you will have to take further action.

Original poster

darksideofbuttonmoon · 16/07/2013 13:50

Thanks again for all of the great advice, I'll be putting it into practice tomorrow!
Yep Gerty1002, told them in writing - twice!

OP posts:

Gerty1002 · 16/07/2013 15:25

I had an issue with my employer at the beginning of this pregnancy too (ended up leaving as it was clear they wanted me out) and was told by the HR adviser and ACAS that you have to inform them in writing before your rights kick in. I hadn't and they used this against me - but they could have been wrong, I'm no expert.

Agree with advice to write to them again saying it's your final request for a risk assessment before taking it further. You shouldn't be put in any danger and adjustments should be made for you.

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