Risk assessment for Pregnant and Breastfeeding workers and New Mothers

All employers are legally required to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all their workforce, including women of child- bearing age. An individual risk assessment is required for all pregnant women, new mothers having given birth in the last 6 months and women who are breastfeeding. Some working conditions are potentially harmful to the health of the mother and/or her child.

Some of the risks that can occur in many workplaces are as follows:

• Posture and position - these issues can change during pregnancy and cause significant problems for the pregnant woman. Pregnant women should not stand for prolonged periods, lift or carry heavy loads, have poor posture at a workstation.
• Working conditions - long hours, shift work and night work can have a negative effect on the health of the pregnant woman, new mothers, and their children.
  • Fatigue - pregnant women and new mothers may be more fatigued that their colleagues
  • Work - related stress- pregnant women and new mothers may be more susceptible to stress in the workplace
  • Temperature - pregnant women and new mothers may be more sensitive to temperature changes in the workplace.
  • Noise - this may cause more problems for this group of employees
• Risk of physical injury - the consequences of this may be more serious for pregnant women or new mothers.
• Exposure to Harmful substances - many chemicals and biological agents can cause harm to mother and child.

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers may need a place to rest and breastfeed at work. This will need to be assessed and adjustments made. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can work nights if there is no risk to the health of the mother or her child. The Equality Act protects all pregnant, new mothers and breastfeeding workers.

We can assess each pregnant or breastfeeding employee and give advice and guidance for their individual roles in the workplace.