Advice needed about my job which involves lifting

[pollylongstockings]

I work as a collection driver for Royal Mail. I lift about 20-50 bags a day that weigh up to 16kg, along with various parcels that weigh different amounts.

Yesterday morning I tested postitve for dc2. What do I do about work?

Is it safe to continue lifting these weights or should I tell my line manager I am pregnant and need to go on light duties? Where dod I stnd if he wants me to keep doing collections? What if he wants proof I am pregnant?

*where do I stand

bump

Do you have a HR department? I would think health and safety would say no to you doing this and out you on lighter duties.

However if you have already done it / really feel you cant say anything I think the risk is more for you than the baby. If you think of the average toddler they are probably around 16 kg and get hoisted about everywhere? I know I am still picking my DS up and around who is 20 kg ish and DD who is 15kg ish. Not saying it is right though!

If I phoned HR they would probably tell me to speak to my line manager - who has no empathy or consideration for others!

But you are right peppa, I do carry dd when I have to and she weighs over 2 stone

Hi when you are a pregnant you should have a health and safety assessment done at work. Generally you go through what you do and what is now feasible as you are pregnant. It is an on going process as your pregnancy progresses.
link: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg373.pdf

and

www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/

hth

Thanks ande

I'll take written confirmation into work and then get a health and safety risk assesment done.

My DS weighs around 15kg and even at 33 weeks I am still lifting him. I'd still lifting (small) weighs in gym.

Personally if you are used to lifting these bags I wouldn't worry about it this early on, but you might want to get a health and safety risk assessment done.