Employers Risk Assessment

[RockerMummy184]

How do I get my employer to do a risk assessment without sounding like a complete dick-head?

I have been having headaches for the last month, won't go into the boring details but GP said it could be the start of pre-eclampsia or just general hormones.

Saw midwife today, she suggested it could be getting exacerbated by my computer monitor (which I use solidly for 9 hours a day at work and there is no way round this) and said my employer needs to do a risk assessment.

How do I nicely ask them to do this without seeming like I'm being picky and silly?

Could you not say because of the headaches your GP has suggested a H&S risk assessment be carried out?

That way you're not asking, technically your GP is!!

Depending on your employer, it might be policy that you have to have a risk assessment when you are pregnant (it is policy where I work). Even if it isn't, it is okay to ask!

If your line manager knows you are pregnant say something to them like, "I had an appointment with the GP and they recommended that I have a risk assessment at work with H&S. I think it would be a good idea too." I would also follow it up with an email so it is in writing.

Employers need to protect themselves as well as you protecting yourself so it is in their interests to work with you.

I don't have a HR dept, or a H&S officer, my whole company consists of myself, 1 other member or administration staff and the MD, so asking for anything like that is quite awkward.

I don't want to sound like 'I need special treatment coz I'm pregnant', and I don't want to sound like I'm trying to get out of my duties by not being able to work on my computer.

Do you take the appropriate number of breaks from your screen? We are a small company, but always try to make sure that individuals don't sit staring at a screen for 9 hours solid - pregnant or not! Even if they pop to make a round of tea, or accept a delivery, it's just giving your eyes a break. We have recently introduced a rule where people go into a breakout area to have lunch, again, giving them time away from the screen.

I work in a company of 250 people and they don't seem to believe in risk assessments. I've asked numerous times and they say 'oh yes' and it never happens. I looked it up online and apparently you only need to provide one by law if it is actually a risky job - so heavy lifting, chemicals etc. I don't think an office counts!

Am not sure a risk assessment would really help computer headaches to be honest, you'd be better off getting an eye test and having breaks away from the screen.

You can ask for one, I thought it was standard for pregnant employees but I might be wrong, I've always worked at larger firms. Maternity action lists using visual display equipment as something that should be considered so you sound sensible in doing so to me
www.maternityaction.org.uk/wp/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/health-and-safety-during-pregnancy-and-on-return-to-work/#more-'
I'd just say something like "my midwife mentioned the employers risk assessment too me and as we haven't got round to it, when would be a good time to complete it"

Have you had an eye test? My eyes get worse in pregnancy (poss relaxin hormone related?) and my prescription changed a lot last time. Still get a risk assessment but would be good to say you've done something proactive about it too.