Is this appropriate to say to your boss?

[Anonymous]

I've got a meeting with my boss and HR manager tomorrow due to my job giving me back and shoulder pain.

I'm going through boxes of old files and throwing the paper into a destruction bin. On top of that I'm their relief receptionist so for the last year I was covering for an idiot who was always away once a week.

I told them many times this has been a bit much and all they have said is "This is part of your job"

If they ask me whynI didn't say anything, can I say "I have multiple times, but all you said back was, this is part of your job."

I feel as though they would ask that even though I told them.

The files in the boxes are becoming more heavier and I've been doing this for 1.3 years.

Last week my shoulder and back felt like it was on fire. Monday it went down but now it's come back.

Can they fire me? I can manage it if they stop giving me extra work.

[Anpu23]

Did the job description say "able to lift ____ bls" Are the boxes that weight or under? If so you may be terminated because you are unable to perform your duties. Otherwise you are fine and they are in trouble. Chances are the boxes are over 50 lbs, if they push back demand that they weigh the boxes in your presence or you will have your attorney do it in court. In the US they have probably broken labor laws see www.osha.gov/.../2013-06-04-0 for legal limits of safe lifting. Also know that a large legal file box — about 15 inches wide, two feet long and just over 10 inches deep — holds around 50-60 pounds or 4,000 to 5,000 sheets of paper when full.

[Iron_Man]

Just speak from the heart tell it like it is

[Anonymous]

You should look for another job in general. Pretty sure I remember you posting about that receptionist you cover often and now this? Are there any decent perks?

[Asker]

No perks unfortunately. Sorry to keep posting. Im trying to find better ways here cause my family won't let me leave this job because I need the money and jobs are hard to come by the moment. I've honestly reached boiling point.

[Opinion Owner]

Sorry if you got the wrong idea but I am not trying to shame you for posting again at all. I’m mostly addressing the fact that you already had an issue there that sounded pretty bad, and now this. The job just sounds like more trouble than it’s worth. Maybe it would be good to start applying at other places while you work there. Even if it’s not a job you want, it could hold you over until you find something more permanent and at least you’d be out of there. You don’t need all this stress.

[AI Opinion]

In your meeting, it's important to communicate your concerns clearly and professionally. You can say, "I've mentioned my discomfort and workload before, but the response was consistently that 'it's part of the job.' My health is now being affected, and I would appreciate discussing potential adjustments." Address your health and workload concerns firmly, and propose feasible solutions. Employers typically cannot terminate employment for raising health and safety concerns. Documenting your previous communications and having a positive, constructive conversation will be beneficial.

[In_Trance]

They can and should hold you accountable