Job stress and toxins in workplace

cag11890 · February 2015

my job seriously has me in tears everynight, I hate it. I started in December after being with the same company for 5 years. I shouldn't have left but I wasn't eligible for any benifits there and I needed them for maternity leave. So at my job now, the management is very demandingX and believe me when I say I'm NOT a stranger to hard work. But I've been working 65+ hours a week, I'm salary so no over time pay. While at work I'm exposed to HARSH cleaning chemicals I gag every time I have to use them, it's stings to breath. I need the money and I know they won't fire me because they would be scared of a lawsuit because I'm pregnant but I can't take it. I cry every night and it causes me so much more stress than I'm already under. I don't know what to do. It seems like every aspect of my life has been thrown into a blunder because of this pregnancy. I need advice.

MamaBish · February 2015

I'm sorry, I don't have much advice but I do think you should get a respirator and wear that at work. You can get one at any painting supply store and they cost about $30. You don't want To harm your baby (or your own health) by inhaling that stuff!

amooraxo · February 2015

That sounds terrible... and remember that stress can be equally bad for you and baby.

Take care of yourself... maybe you should tell them that you are not comfortable working this much or this many hours.

ChrisLipstick · February 2015

That is really terrible. My job is super stressful and I regularly work 50 hours a week sometimes 60 during very busy periods. I don't think it is good for anyone to put in 65 hours per week. Is it only you or does everyone put in the same number of hours? Does your boss realize how much you are working? I am just wondering if that is part of the normal work culture in your office or something you could push against.

Also is there any way someone else could handle the chemicals and you could do safer tasks? Would another employee switch with you if you explained your concerns?

karaelaine1991 · February 2015

Would you be able to get a note from your doctor to justify a limit on the hours you can work per week and saying you can't work with toxic chemicals anymore? Might be worth a shot!

KaLikeAWind · February 2015

I sympathize. I don't work anywhere near as many hours as you since i work part time, but I bartend and that has me always on my feet, constantly bending and fighting the dizziness, and dealing with patrons who use e-cigarettes and blow behind the bar so I'm walking around in a fog. The fog smells like whatever flavor they use and it makes me nauseous. Last night I slipped on a wet patch of floor and fell.
I would also ask if maybe someone else could handle the chemicals you have to work with, and the PP idea of finding out if you are the only one putting such long hours is a good one. I'm also fairly new at my job (I was hired late Sept, maybe 2 weeks before finding out i was preggo) and they have been pretty good about accommodating me, except the vape issue, my boss says its "totally harmless". I disagree, but thankfully that person doesn't come in very often. Also, getting a note from your Dr about the chemicals should help your position when you go to your boss to discuss it. You could also check out the MSDS (materiel safety data sheets) for the chemicals you are working with (they should be kept on site where ever the chemicals are being used per OSHA) and see if there is any info in them advising against their use while pregnant, and arm yourself that way, too. Hoping for some relief for you! ❤

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