Work issues, help!

mrscimer

First off, I want to let you all know that I fully acknowledge that my job is a joke. I was hired for data entry and online sales for a local business, but end up doing a great deal of physical work. This business employs mostly men and did not treat the last pregnant girl very well. This week we are packing to go to a show across the country. I was assigned to pack certain things which involved carrying empty pallets, moving loaded pallets with a pallet jack, and crawling into the back of semi trailers with the aide of only the step on the back of the trailer. I asked two of the men that work there to go into the semi for me and get what I need. A hour later 4 men watched me crawl into the semi while they stood around talking 20 feet from me. I asked another male co worker to get a pallet off a 5 ft high stack and I get and I get a sigh and eye roll. While pulling a loaded pallet jack (maybe 200lbs on the pallet) I feel like I am pushing myself too hard. My abdomen just didn't feel good from the strain. So, what's safe to do? My dr said to lift no more than 25lbs, but what about pushing and pulling the pallet jack and crawling into semi trailers? What do I say to my managers? What are my rights?

peachy0709

This doesn't necessarily answer your questions fully, but it's a place to start: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/pregnancy.cfm

The concerns would really what your office's policies are, and given that there was a bait-and-switch with your job description/actual job, I'm sure it's going to be a bit of a battle.  Some lawyers often offer free consultations if you feel like this is going to be met with resistance. 

I'm sorry you are going through this.  It sounds like you need to find some other accommodations or job to do within the company if leaving the job is not an option, because even if LO is okay, you're putting your own body into a compromising position as your body changes and grows.  Best of luck to you and I wish I had more information - obviously there are other factors like state laws, etc. that you'll want to look into...

mrscimer

Thank you for responding! In my searches online I am finding very similar things to the link you provided, which to me sounds like companies could be accommodating or they could just say I cannot perform my job and give me unpaid leave. I don't need the job, but really wanted to work until the baby comes to save/get some things paid off. In the end, after reflecting on this last night, the baby is what is important so if I am given tasks that I don't feel I should be doing, I am not going to do it and deal with the repercussions.

holly820

I deal with these types of issues on a daily basis.  I recommend that you talk with your doctor to put all of your restrictions in writing so you can present them to your employer.  They should engage you in an interactive discussion to determine what accommodations can be made.  If lifting over 25 pounds (or pushing/pulling over a certain weight) is not an essential function of your job, they should be able to provide you with a temporary accommodation.  Better yet...they are REQUIRED to provide you with a temporary accommodation.  The question is if the lifting and pushing is an essential function of your job.  If it is something you do on occassion throughout the day but not consistently, it may be difficult for them to prove it is an essential function.  Hope this helps!