Protecting Pregnant Employees and New Mothers – Know Your Obligations
The HSE update guidance for how employers should protect pregnant workers and new mothers
The HSE update guidance for how employers should protect pregnant workers and new mothers
The updated guidelines now make it clear that not only should employers assess the risks of women of childbearing age as part of their general risk assessment, but that they also have a legal responsibility to carry out individual risk assessments for pregnant workers, breastfeeding workers, or those who have given birth in the last 6 months. Employers must, by law, assess the risks to women of childbearing age as part of their general workplace risk assessment.
When employers have been informed in writing about a pregnancy, they must complete an individual risk assessment for the employee:
Employers must regularly review the worker’s individual risk assessment and make any necessary adjustments:
Working conditions could present a risk to mother and/or child at different stages. As the pregnancy progresses, it may affect the worker’s:
If an employer identifies a risk that could cause harm to the worker or their child, they must firstly decide if they can control it. If they cannot control or remove the risk, they must do the following:
If the employer cannot put the necessary control measures in place, they must suspend the worker on full pay. It is unlawful to dismiss, discriminate against or harass a worker because they are pregnant or a new mother.
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