pg and work - help

[Pandora]

not sure what to do about this one.
work keep asking me to do really heavy lifting, which physically is no issue but I dont know whether I should be doing it. Is it okay early on?
I also have to go into huge server rooms (massive electro-magnetic field) all the time.
I really dont want to tell them any earlier than I have to, and I cant do it before my dating scan, but I'm not sure I should continue doing these tasks.

[Kitt3n]

hun I think you might have to tell them ..... or find some other excuse?

[LaDeeDa]

I'm with kitten...
they have to keep the info private and it will be up to you when you tell other colleagues...
but it's probably not worth the risk...

Good luck xoxoxxo

[Pandora]

its not about telling other colleagues Im concerned, its about still having a job

[LaDeeDa]

its not about telling other colleagues Im concerned, its about still having a job

Rayray.... they can't sack you because your pregnant....

thats discrimination. What kind of work do you do hun?

[Toomanytoomany]

its not about telling other colleagues Im concerned, its about still having a job

The first thing I would do is consult the HR person in the organisation and find out exactly what their policies are. THen I would arm myself with the relevant information about your legal entitlements under Australian law. It is unlawful to sack someone because they are pregnant - that said, employers can be quite tricky about finding other excuses. So document, document, document, and make sure you can let them know when you tell them that you are quite aware of your rights.

While heavy lifting won't harm your baby in early pregnancy, your ligaments are softening already, and you may injure yourself - but your employer needs to know that they shouldn't be asking *anyone* to do VERY heavy lifting - workplace safety requires adequate lifting equipment.

The magnetic field would concern me as much as the lifting.

[Pandora]

Hi guys.

Thanks for the support. I know they cant legally fire me for being UTD. I catully have the best manager in the world. HR are more the problem IYKWIM, there is no way I would ask them for any info on the topic. My immediate manager would be a better person to talk to.

Its just that I will only have been there 18 months when I go on mat leave, and the job has a really, really steep learning curve, it takes at least 6 months to get a basic idea of how stuff works. They are going to be mightily peeved. The one thing in my favour is that the project I am on will be well finished before I have to go on leave.

[Mother Goose]

Hey Ray,

When I was PG with DD, I was heavily involved with the CFA which required heavy lifting at times. My Ob told me it was fine to keep doing so as long as I used correct techniques and worked within my limitations. I was able to do this right throughout my pregnancy.

And if the idiots were stupid enough to let you go, DH is always recruiting!

MG