Safety Glossary
Safety Glossary
PREGNANT WOMEN AT WORK |
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Can a pregnant woman still work nights?
Yes, unless there is a specific work risk and her GP or midwife has provided a medical certificate stating she must not work nights – in which case she must be:
- offered suitable alternative day work on the same terms and conditions; or if this is not possible:
- suspend her from work on paid leave for as long as necessary to protect her health and safety and that of her child.
Does a risk assessment have to be done for a pregnant woman, whatever her job?
Yes.
Does a woman have to notify her manager that she is pregnant?
There is no legal requirement to do so under health and safety legislation – but steps cannot be taken to protect the health and safety of a pregnant woman if she doesn’t tell anyone that she is pregnant.
In addition, the woman does have a responsibility to notify her manager prior to going on maternity leave under employment law, and further reference should therefore be made to the Human Resources Maternity Leave Policy.
If a woman notifies her manager that she is pregnant, does she have to provide a medical certificate confirming it?
Yes – further guidance is available in the Human Resources Maternity Leave Policy.
What facilities must be provided for pregnant women and nursing mothers who are still breastfeeding?
Suitable facilities must be provided for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to rest.
These facilities should be conveniently situated in relation to sanitary facilities and, where necessary, include the facility to lie down.
The HSE also recommends as good practice, but not a legal requirement, that a private, healthy and safe environment is provided for nursing mothers to express and store milk (toilets are not suitable for this purpose).
What happens if risks identified in a pregnant woman risk assessment cannot be removed?
If the risk is significant and goes beyond the level of risk to be expected outside the workplace, then one of the following:
Action 1: temporarily adjust her working conditions and/or hours of work; or if that’s not possible:
Action 2: offer her suitable alternative work (at the same rate of pay) if available; or if that’s not possible:
Action 3: suspend her from work on paid leave for as long as necessary to protect her health and safety and that of her child.
When must a risk assessment for a pregnant woman be done?
As soon as the woman tells her line manager that she is pregnant – and it should be reviewed periodically, e.g. every 12 weeks, to take into account physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
Who should carry out a risk assessment for a pregnant woman?
The pregnant woman’s line manager.