Almost passed out at work, what would you do? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

RachelandSadie · 08-10-2011, 04:34 PM

I've had problems with this stupid job since I started here. I work for the CITY and yet because I'm a front desk person and I'm working a second shift 2-10pm I'm not allowed a meal break. So far I cannot find any Missouri or Federal laws that force them to give me a meal break during my shift. They require me to eat at my desk. I never get a chance to eat at the desk due to how busy we usually are. I can't just take a lunch when I need one because I have to have someone cover and no one is ever available and when I finally force someone to come up here they are all pissy with me. They expect me to eat when it's convieient for them to cover me for a moment, but they are never around to cover me. I'm tempted to go to HR over all their heads with this since complaining to the supervisor and the department heads doesn't actually force the idiots at night to cover me. They aren't ever here at night when I'm hungry and have to eat and tonight I almost passed out from hypoglycemia since I couldn't eat until 7:30pm. Their excuse was why didn't you eat before the other desk girl left at 6pm. 1. we were sooo busy 2. I'm not always hungry by 6pm.

This is getting crazy and endangering my baby. Would you go to HR or try to find a lawsuit somehow. HELP!

Maximo · 08-10-2011, 05:04 PM

I always thought breaks of some kind were mandatory, but I see you are correct, they are not: U.S. Department of Labor - Find It By Topic - Work Hours - Breaks and Meal Periods

There must be something that covers basic health needs. I would go to HR and request they help you make accommodations, especially because you are pregnant.

tjdmom · 08-10-2011, 05:12 PM

couldn't you keep a healthy snack in your purse or in a pocket and have a few snacks inbetween? If not and you really think this is endangering your baby, maybe it's time to quit?

shodanusmc · 08-10-2011, 05:13 PM

That is not good for you, or the baby. I would certainly talk to somene there for sure. I am no legal expert, but you may want to run your situation by one to get their thoughts. Any legal beagles here?

Lil Sis · 08-10-2011, 05:24 PM

I think I would take the dinner break before the other girl leaves at 6:00. If you eat at that time your body will adjust and you will be hungry at that time. I you eat at 5 ish and have a snack that you can eat latter you will be ok.

I would also talk to your doctor, your blood sugar should not drop that low due to being a hour late eatting. If your blood sugar dips that low you need to be munching on healthy snacks through out the day. Talk to your doctor.

If they are providing coverage before 6;00 for you to eat, thus you have a 4 hour period of time without a "co worker" or emergency coverage.. they are within the law.. as far as I know. I don't know of any job that lets you take dinner or lunch breaks when you want.. sad to say. I know this is hard with being so excited over your pregancy but have faith.. it will work out.

RachelandSadie · 08-10-2011, 05:47 PM

the main problem is that often the other desk person and i are both soo busy that there is not time for a break then either and no one forces that to happen when it's needed. the other problem is that the summer help is leaving next week so i won't have the coverage from her.

i wrote to HR. this has been going on for months and no one cares to help with it. i can snack, but snacks do not suffice for a full balanced meal. 8 hours is too long to not get a meal in while pregnant and i'm going to do something to change this. i can't quit because i'd be without insurance.

megansmomma · 08-10-2011, 05:51 PM

Have you been diagnosis with hypoglycemia by your OB? Is this something new?

I also found this:

Missouri Labor | Breaks, Lunches, and Personal Time Off

Quote:

Missouri law does not require employers to provide employees, including youth workers, a break of any kind, including a lunch hour. These provisions are either left up to the discretion of the employer, can be agreed upon by the employer and employee, or may be addressed by company policy or contract.

So what is you company's (city) policy on breaks and lunches?

As for your episode today you really need to keep some healthy snacks on hand to alleviate this from happening in the future. Has your doctor tested you for gestational diabetes?

MikaTallulah · 08-10-2011, 05:55 PM

I work as a nurse 12 hr shifts and never get a formal break. I have to eat while charting/ working at the nurses station. Bring finger foods and a sandwich to eat at your desk.

lovespandp · 08-10-2011, 06:51 PM

Go to Hr, they have to do something. Our receptionist is preg's and Hr caught her sleeping so he made her take a walk dwn the street!!

We r a pretty small company, but lets just say she gets let off easy bc she is preg's and they have to be very careful how they treat her.

Lil Sis · 08-10-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megansmomma

Have you been diagnosis with hypoglycemia by your OB?

As for your episode today you really need to keep some healthy snacks on hand to alleviate this from happening in the future. Has your doctor tested you for gestational diabetes?

This was what I was trying to say, have it checked out.

Just a question, what does the day time person get for breaks.? Are you e only one who does not get a meal break?

RachelandSadie · 08-10-2011, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil Sis

This was what I was trying to say, have it checked out.

Just a question, what does the day time person get for breaks.? Are you e only one who does not get a meal break?

i am the only full time employee for the entire City that i know of that does not get any form of a meal break. even our full time custodian gets a 30 min lunch break and takes several smoke breaks throughout her shift on paid company time to go outside away from her job to smoke and rest. i do not get any breaks away from my desk that i am not required to be working while resting. they consider the time i am at the desk but not helping a customer a rest break, but according to federal regulations those are still considering WORK time.

no matter what i have their asses i think. if they refuse meal breaks of any kind but give them to everyone else i can claim pregnancy discrimination for not being treated the way everyone else is treated and not being allowed to do what the handbook says i'm allowed to do.

if they fire me, i've got a case yet again to sue them for firing me for being pregnant.

if they harass me for questioning my lack of breaks at work i have harassment charges.

they have to at least consider my requests and do their best to accommodate me because i fall under a disabled person legally. and because everyone else already gets it and i am left out.

RachelandSadie · 08-10-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie

i am the only full time employee for the entire City that i know of that does not get any form of a meal break. even our full time custodian gets a 30 min lunch break and takes several smoke breaks throughout her shift on paid company time to go outside away from her job to smoke and rest. i do not get any breaks away from my desk that i am not required to be working while resting. they consider the time i am at the desk but not helping a customer a rest break, but according to federal regulations those are still considering WORK time.

no matter what i have their asses i think. if they refuse meal breaks of any kind but give them to everyone else i can claim pregnancy discrimination for not being treated the way everyone else is treated and not being allowed to do what the handbook says i'm allowed to do.

if they fire me, i've got a case yet again to sue them for firing me for being pregnant.

if they harass me for questioning my lack of breaks at work i have harassment charges.

they have to at least consider my requests and do their best to accommodate me because i fall under a disabled person legally. and because everyone else already gets it and i am left out.

i will also talk to my dr. about a dr's note ordering a meal break to eat for health reason. aka hypoglycemia. i have always had it. my mother has it. it's not officially diagnosed but i'm sure i could probably get it officially diagnosed.

capt_noonie · 08-10-2011, 09:30 PM

What would I have done? If I were you, I would have "passed out" for real and then see what they would do. but then I am known to be passive aggressive.

TresCutePiggies · 08-11-2011, 06:01 AM

It was my understanding that when someone is hypoglycemic that snacks with a well balanced carb to protein ratio are best. Maybe you could just eat several small snacks (no matter how busy/not hungry you are - I'd still stop and shove some food in my face) throughout the day? You could eat peanut butter and crackers for one, cut up veggies for another, cheese and nuts for another, etc. You could still get a well balanced meal even if you weren't able to sit down and eat it all at once. If they aren't going to accommodate you and you have to keep the job for health insurance (totally understand), then you are going to have to find a way to make it work to keep you and your baby healthy. I really feel for you on this since I'm a type 1 diabetic, and I've had my fair share of idiots trying to tell me what I can and cannot do to manage myself. I've been dealing with this since I was young, and the truth of the matter is that most people don't even take note if you are discrete. I'm not saying it's fair, but I've certainly had to forgo things that would fall under a reasonable accommodation for any person, let alone a diabetic, just to keep the peace and keep health insurance at a job. It may be that once HR gets wind of this that they'll make the changes you'd like, but it really depends on the HR where you are. Some are eager to help and others are more likely to defer issues back to your supervisor. Good luck!

gidget529 · 08-11-2011, 06:24 AM

I've also worked in hospitals, worked call, and we did not have "breaks" either, especially when on call. We ate when we could, a lot of the time while doing chart work.

That being said, w hypoglycemia, HR may in all probability say that allowing you snacks and meals at your desk while you work is a "reasonable accommodation". They only have to provide a "reasonable" accommodation, and it's been my exp employers do not go above "reasonable" (meaning least they can do to accommodate). It's unfortunate, but they tend to look at it from that perspective. I'm sure the economy and joblessness is only strengthening employers lack of motivation to provide a pleasant working environment.

08-10-2011, 04:34 PM	#1
RachelandSadie No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 5,748	Almost passed out at work, what would you do? I've had problems with this stupid job since I started here. I work for the CITY and yet because I'm a front desk person and I'm working a second shift 2-10pm I'm not allowed a meal break. So far I cannot find any Missouri or Federal laws that force them to give me a meal break during my shift. They require me to eat at my desk. I never get a chance to eat at the desk due to how busy we usually are. I can't just take a lunch when I need one because I have to have someone cover and no one is ever available and when I finally force someone to come up here they are all pissy with me. They expect me to eat when it's convieient for them to cover me for a moment, but they are never around to cover me. I'm tempted to go to HR over all their heads with this since complaining to the supervisor and the department heads doesn't actually force the idiots at night to cover me. They aren't ever here at night when I'm hungry and have to eat and tonight I almost passed out from hypoglycemia since I couldn't eat until 7:30pm. Their excuse was why didn't you eat before the other desk girl left at 6pm. 1. we were sooo busy 2. I'm not always hungry by 6pm. This is getting crazy and endangering my baby. Would you go to HR or try to find a lawsuit somehow. HELP!

08-10-2011, 05:04 PM	#2
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	I always thought breaks of some kind were mandatory, but I see you are correct, they are not: U.S. Department of Labor - Find It By Topic - Work Hours - Breaks and Meal Periods There must be something that covers basic health needs. I would go to HR and request they help you make accommodations, especially because you are pregnant. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy Last edited by Maximo; 08-10-2011 at 05:05 PM.

08-10-2011, 05:24 PM	#5
Lil Sis Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,008	I think I would take the dinner break before the other girl leaves at 6:00. If you eat at that time your body will adjust and you will be hungry at that time. I you eat at 5 ish and have a snack that you can eat latter you will be ok. I would also talk to your doctor, your blood sugar should not drop that low due to being a hour late eatting. If your blood sugar dips that low you need to be munching on healthy snacks through out the day. Talk to your doctor. If they are providing coverage before 6;00 for you to eat, thus you have a 4 hour period of time without a "co worker" or emergency coverage.. they are within the law.. as far as I know. I don't know of any job that lets you take dinner or lunch breaks when you want.. sad to say. I know this is hard with being so excited over your pregancy but have faith.. it will work out. __________________ Shinja mom to Remy lil Sis to Bailey and Sammy

08-10-2011, 05:55 PM	#8
MikaTallulah YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 1,812	I work as a nurse 12 hr shifts and never get a formal break. I have to eat while charting/ working at the nurses station. Bring finger foods and a sandwich to eat at your desk. __________________ Beware of Nestle Purina Cozy (4/06), Roxy & Zoey (2/08), Lucy (4/09); Buddy 4/09- Rescued 12/11); Mika ('98) & Tallulah ('00) RIP Harley 4/2009; Lucky 11/2010; Zoey 4/2012

08-10-2011, 06:51 PM	#9
lovespandp ♥Momma's Bambino♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 10,026	Go to Hr, they have to do something. Our receptionist is preg's and Hr caught her sleeping so he made her take a walk dwn the street!! We r a pretty small company, but lets just say she gets let off easy bc she is preg's and they have to be very careful how they treat her. __________________ "People with nothing to hide don't usually feel the need to say so."

08-10-2011, 05:12 PM	#3
tjdmom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny Posts: 5,847	couldn't you keep a healthy snack in your purse or in a pocket and have a few snacks inbetween? If not and you really think this is endangering your baby, maybe it's time to quit?

08-10-2011, 05:13 PM	#4
shodanusmc BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,603	That is not good for you, or the baby. I would certainly talk to somene there for sure. I am no legal expert, but you may want to run your situation by one to get their thoughts. Any legal beagles here?

08-10-2011, 05:47 PM	#6
RachelandSadie No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 5,748	the main problem is that often the other desk person and i are both soo busy that there is not time for a break then either and no one forces that to happen when it's needed. the other problem is that the summer help is leaving next week so i won't have the coverage from her. i wrote to HR. this has been going on for months and no one cares to help with it. i can snack, but snacks do not suffice for a full balanced meal. 8 hours is too long to not get a meal in while pregnant and i'm going to do something to change this. i can't quit because i'd be without insurance.

08-10-2011, 09:30 PM	#13
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	What would I have done? If I were you, I would have "passed out" for real and then see what they would do. but then I am known to be passive aggressive. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

08-11-2011, 06:01 AM	#14
TresCutePiggies Owned by Rory & Lane Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,893	It was my understanding that when someone is hypoglycemic that snacks with a well balanced carb to protein ratio are best. Maybe you could just eat several small snacks (no matter how busy/not hungry you are - I'd still stop and shove some food in my face) throughout the day? You could eat peanut butter and crackers for one, cut up veggies for another, cheese and nuts for another, etc. You could still get a well balanced meal even if you weren't able to sit down and eat it all at once. If they aren't going to accommodate you and you have to keep the job for health insurance (totally understand), then you are going to have to find a way to make it work to keep you and your baby healthy. I really feel for you on this since I'm a type 1 diabetic, and I've had my fair share of idiots trying to tell me what I can and cannot do to manage myself. I've been dealing with this since I was young, and the truth of the matter is that most people don't even take note if you are discrete. I'm not saying it's fair, but I've certainly had to forgo things that would fall under a reasonable accommodation for any person, let alone a diabetic, just to keep the peace and keep health insurance at a job. It may be that once HR gets wind of this that they'll make the changes you'd like, but it really depends on the HR where you are. Some are eager to help and others are more likely to defer issues back to your supervisor. Good luck! __________________ Rory and Lane now have a dog blog, Doggie Debutantes. Find us on Facebook here.

08-11-2011, 06:24 AM	#15
gidget529 Gidget & Sidney's Mom Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: PA Posts: 3,462	I've also worked in hospitals, worked call, and we did not have "breaks" either, especially when on call. We ate when we could, a lot of the time while doing chart work. That being said, w hypoglycemia, HR may in all probability say that allowing you snacks and meals at your desk while you work is a "reasonable accommodation". They only have to provide a "reasonable" accommodation, and it's been my exp employers do not go above "reasonable" (meaning least they can do to accommodate). It's unfortunate, but they tend to look at it from that perspective. I'm sure the economy and joblessness is only strengthening employers lack of motivation to provide a pleasant working environment. __________________ Mommy to Gidget, Sidney & Cricket(RIP)