New and Expectant Mothers

In this bulletin we will look at - some of the hazards and health & safety issues concerning new and expectant mothers; the health & safety laws designed to protect new and expectant mothers; anti natal care; and breast feeding. Pregnancy in itself does not necessarily represent a specific risk with regard to health & safety. However, pregnant women will undergo significant physiological, hormonal and psychological changes, which employers must take into account.

The same is also true of the period following birth. The employee must inform her employer as soon as a medical practitioner has confirmed pregnancy with an expected date of birth. Main Hazards guidance list published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on the known risks to new and expectant mothers:

Physical Hazards - shocks, vibration and movement - manual handling of loads - noise - ionising radiation - non-ionising electromagnetic radiation - extremes of cold or heat - work resulting in physical and mental fatigue and work in high pressure atmospheres.

Biological Hazards - (Laboratory workers, health care workers, animal products and handling) - hepatitis B, HIV (the AIDS virus) - herpes - tuberculosis - syphilis - chickenpox - typhoid - rubella (German measles) - toxoplasma - Chlamydia and cytomegalovirus.

Chemical Hazards - R40 = possibility of irreversible effects - R45 = may cause cancer - R46 = may cause genetic damage - R61 = may cause harm to unborn child - R63 = possible risks of harm to the unborn child and R64 = may cause harm to breastfed babies.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) apply to new or expectant mothers, “that is women who are pregnant, have given birth or miscarried within the previous six months or are breastfeeding”. Employers must assess the risks arising from hazards listed above to the health, safety and welfare of these workers and ensure that they are not exposed to those risks. Risk Assessments must be carried out wherever there are women of childbearing age in the workforce.

Ante natal care - All pregnant women have the statutory right to paid leave for ante natal care, whatever their hours, pay or length of service. Ante natal care can, according to Government guidelines, "include not only medical examinations but also, for example, relaxation classes and parent-craft classes" section 55 Employment Rights Act 1996.

Breastfeeding - As part of their duty of care employers, should allow mother suitable breaks for breastfeeding, either within or outside the workplace, as appropriate. A safe and health environment in which to express and store milk at work should be provided. This room should be situated near to toilets and should have facilities so that women can lie down.

The Maternity (Compulsory Leave) Regulations 1994 place a duty on employers to ensure that employees on maternity leave do not return to work within two weeks of giving birth.

Produced by the GMB, London Region,
Thorne House, 152 Brent Street, Hendon. NW4 2DP
Tel: 020 8202 8272
Fax: 020 8202 2893