Really silly problem, but don't know what to do!?

[thelioncub]

Heya,

This sounds really silly, but I can't think straight and I just don't know what to do.
I work in IT in a Uni, and so far I've had to be sneaky to avoid lifting computers. No one at work knows, and I don't want to tell them for at least 3 weeks (I need them to sign a course off first, and I really want to wait until after the scan anyway)

Anyway.. today this woman has called me about a problem with her computer, and the only solution is to install a new machine and transfer her data over. I have two problems - I can't lift or carry the new machine, and my boss has basically implied that I need to do this instead of getting someone else to do it (even though i'm busy with a laptop right now - he's just gone and given other 'light' jobs to the other 2 guys so now they are busy too)

Second (and this is going to sound silly) but this woman's office is really, really hot. I've been having headaches all week now, and today I feel really sick, hot, tired and achey. There is just no way I can face sitting in her room to move all her data over - even if I can get someone else to carry the machine up for me. It makes me feel sick on the best of days, never mind with pregnancy!

What do I do????

 

[kellyfc]

sounds like a rock and a hard place.
I would suggest telling your boss. i know you're hoping to wait but really what choice do you have when those machines are heavy. you dont wanna risk any issues.... sorry thats all i got. I told my coworkers early because of the type of area i work in too, they were very understanding. not sure if that helps, but its the best i got.... good luck!!!

 

[maybe11]

say you ve got a bad back and cant lift

 

[maybe11]

you should also have had moving & handling training and by law they are not allowed to make you lift more than a certain weight. ALternative methods should be available to all staff male and female.

 

[Tigge50447]

OH MY we are in the same situation. I too work in IT for a school district and we move a ton of computers around during the summer months. Thankfully I moved a ton of them before i got pregnant (mid july) I have not told anyone yet because I feel it's way too early and I too have been avoiding moving anything. We do however have 2 boy students who are helping us so I could always get them to do it if they are around. I suppose if my boss asked me to move a bunch of stuff I would have to tell her. If it's a newer computer and not the old lcd monitors I might attempt it since they are not super heavy but only one here and there, not a whole classroom full. But I will not pick up a old style lcd monitor they are hea-vy

You could also tell them you hurt your back for now....

 

[Siuan]

I am in a similar situation, but I actually run the IT Service Desk for a college so it is a little easier for me because I can delegate quite easily! Also, thankfully, our summer deployment works have been delayed this year so I don't have too much computer moving to consider just yet. However, I have told my manager just in case he wonders why I'm not helping out with installing the enrolment computers tomorrow.

I think had I not have wanted/been able to tell him yet, I'd have feigned a back injury for now.

It's very hard though because I can understand you wouldn't want to lie necessarily, but also don't want to tell your manager just yet. In my position, I would hope that the ladies in my team would feel happy to come and tell me in confidence (it doesn't have to go any further than your immediate line manager until you're ready) so that I could make allowances as appropriate.

I hope you find a suitable solution

 

[thelioncub]

Thanks so much for the replies - glad to know I'm not the only one!
I've just told the only guy in my office I consider to be a friend, and he didn't exactly look happy by the news. I think it's more that he's gonna be left with 2 idiots and a crappy boss when I'm not here (I'd feel the same if he left) but I'm sure he'll come around to the idea and actually congratulate me...
He's got the machine out for me and is installing it, but we'll have to see about the sitting in the boiling office tomorrow to move the data over.
I do agree that there probably will come a point when I need to tell the boss (before the scan I mean) but I just want to hold off as long as possible. He can have such bad moods on some days, so I need to pick my moment for sure!
Luckily this summer we are also holding off big IT changes, but only because we have a massive move in March to a new building (right when the baby is due) It's the big reason I'm so scared of telling work, cos as far as they are concerned it's THE worst timing ever. Hey ho!

 

[Siuan]

Great excuse for you though!! haha!! I'm taking all I can get with regards to stuff like that... I'll be heading off just when I would normally be planning our Summer deployments and whilst I do enjoy doing that, there is a devil inside me saying "let's see how they cope without me" lol!! It's not as if you've done it to be malicious, so they'll have to suck it up (I'm full of sympathy for our co-workers today aren't I?! lol!!)

 

[Jokerette]

Well im sorry your coworker wasnt as excited, but he's a guy and maybe he just doesnt get it But, its great that he is helping you. In the meantime, I'd definitely suggest the fake back injury to avoid moving heavy objects.