Health and Safety at Work question

[nikkisbump]

Hi all,

I'm 16 weeks pregnant and after skating like bambi on ice across the car park for the third time this week have come into work to be informed there is no running water or toilets today.

Now, I'm not one to whinge, but surely I can't be expected to stay? I'm weeing on average once every 1.5 - 2 hours at the moment.

It wouldn't anger me so much if they weren't sending home all but those that take orders (which happens to be lucky old me!) for the business and have said they will reward us next week. They are providing us water from the other building (5 minute walk) to flush the toilets ourselves. Urgh.

Should I not even be given the opportunity to leave? I don't want to kick up a stink for no reason. Whilst we are on the subject, I told them 5 weeks ago that I'm pregnant, and have STILL not had a risk assessment. I had thought that was because there wasn't a great deal of risk involved with sitting at a desk but shouldn't they have at least done or said something?!

Any help greatly appreciated, thank you!

I told my line manager I was pregnant at 15 weeks, then told the HR dept i was pregnant at about 24 weeks, now I'm 33 weeks and still have not had a risk assessment done, so I guess it just depends on the employer.

Though for the toilet issue I do not think this is acceptable, are you expected to lug a bucket of water with you from building to building? Whatever happened to avoid lifting during pregnancy?

Definitely not acceptable to work without flushing toilets. I would put my foot down with a firm hand - especially if they are expecting you to lug buckets full of water from 5 minutes away!

as for the risk assessment, I eventually got one about a week before starting my maternity leave. they are legally obliged to do it though so I would chase them (particularly if there are aspects of your job you're concerned about).

Your company is required to provide working toilets for every-one, it is an absolute requirement. The other absolute requirement is to do a risk assessment on your work.
As you rightly say desk work not terribly risky, as long as you can get up and away from the screen every now and then.
However manual handling of buckets of water is not acceptable for a pregnant person.
If they do not respond in a good manner - I think you have a good case for going home, then I suggest you talk to your local environmental health department. They have enforcement officers who would deal with your employer and be able to advise you better.

P.S. I'm a professsional health and safety person - and pregnant - but I work in the construction industry rather than office safety hence referal to your council EHO.