Risk Assessments for Pregnant Workers

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently updated its guidance making it clear that employers must now carry out individual risk assessments for pregnant workers and new mothers.

The HSE guidance makes clear that employers have a legal responsibility to consider risks to pregnant women, new mothers, and women of childbearing age in their general workplace risk assessments.

Under these new guidelines, employers should carry out an individual risk assessment for any worker who is pregnant, has given birth within the last six months, or is breastfeeding.

Also under the guidelines, employers should make their risk assessment as soon as a worker has written to inform them of their pregnancy.

What should the Pregnant Worker risk assessment for employees cover?

You may already have a risk assessment in place however, it’s important to review existing risk management procedures and controls for pregnant workers and new mothers.

In carrying out the individual risk assessment an employer must:

1. Review their existing general risk management and controls for pregnant workers and new mothers

2. Talk to the worker to see if there are any conditions or circumstances with their pregnancy that could affect their work

3. Discuss any concerns they have about how their work could affect their pregnancy

4. Consult with their safety representative or trade union if they have one

5. Take account of any medical recommendations provided by their doctor or midwife.

This should also include talking to them to see if there are any conditions or circumstances with their pregnancy that could affect their work.

Some of the risks as identified by the HSE included sitting or standing for long periods, lifting or carrying heavy loads, or using a workstation that causes additional posture issues. 

Other associated risks to take into consideration are: lone working, extended hours, exposure to hazards such as noise/vibrations, or even toxic chemicals.

Once the risk assessment is complete, employers should make necessary changes to support them, including adjusting the working conditions or hours to avoid the risk, or finding the employee suitable alternative work.

The guidance has similarly made it clear that companies should review the assessment regularly throughout the pregnancy and for a short while after birth.  They should also share any findings with the worker and discuss any issues raised.

As ever at AT&F Solutions we are quick to react to help businesses ensure their compliance with ease and have launched a new interactive risk assessment module, available immediately for use within the ClickHSE management system. If you would like more information please get in touch with our team here.

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