If a staff member becomes pregnant, it’s your legal duty to protect them and their unborn child at work. You can do this by performing a pregnancy risk assessment.
This type of assessment evaluates the risks the work tasks pose to pregnant employees. Failure to have a risk assessment in place could mean your business faces serious consequences should something go wrong. It’s important that there is a safe working plan in place and that it is followed.
In this guide, we'll discuss pregnancy risk assessments, workplace risks, and measures you can implement to protect pregnant employees and new mothers.
What is a pregnancy risk assessment?
A pregnancy risk assessment, or new and expectant mother risk assessment, assesses the risks a workplace poses with special considerations for risks where pregnancy can make your worker more vulnerable.
It involves recording present hazards, assessing the likelihood of them causing harm, and implementing safety control measures. You can download our free pregnancy risk assessment template to support your staff.
Are pregnancy risk assessments a legal requirement?
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must carry out an individual risk assessment once an employee notifies them in writing that they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have given birth in the last six months. This assessment must take account of the worker’s specific needs and circumstances.
For example, prolonged periods of standing may be difficult for some pregnant employees and can present a Health & Safety risk. Where this is identified, employers should consider suitable control measures, such as providing seating and allowing regular rest breaks.
Who should carry out a pregnancy risk assessment?
The manager or supervisor of the worker should complete the new and expectant mother risk assessment with the employee, as they are aware of the specifics of the work, and can sign off on reasonable adjustments. It is important that the manager or supervisor is either competent in completing this type of risk assessment or has access to competent advice.
What are the steps of a personal risk assessment?
The first step in completing a personal risk assessment for a worker that is pregnant or is a new mother is for your employee to inform you of their pregnancy. From there the employer is required to complete a risk assessment as soon as is reasonably possible.
The next step is to complete the New and Expectant Mother Risk Assessment (NEMA) risk assessment checklist. This is required to be completed with the employee.
The NEMA checklist is designed to highlight issues to do with:
Movement and posture
Protective equipment
Hazardous substances
Working time
Work related stress
Extremes of cold and heat
Working at height
Work-related violence
Welfare issues
The risk assessment comprises an assessment of the above issues, making accommodation for any advice the employee has been given by their doctor or midwife.
The risk assessment review frequency is once per month, or more frequently if requested by the employee. The monthly frequency ensures that any changes in the condition of the employee are promptly addressed.
Get the support you need with pregnancy risk assessements
Peninsula offers expert advice on pregnancy risk assessments. Our teams provide 24/7 Health & Safety advice which is available 365 days a year. We take care of everything when you work with our Health & Safety experts. We even have a free pregnancy risk assessment template for you to download that can be used when required.
Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with a Health & Safety consultant today.
