HSE update: risk assessments for pregnant workers and new mothers

Advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has changed regarding risk assessments for pregnant workers and new mothers.

Employers must already consider risks to women of childbearing age in their general risk assessments.

The update from the HSE is that individual risk assessments must be carried out to cover a worker’s specific needs, once they have informed in writing that they:

• are pregnant
• have given birth in the last 6 months, or
• are breastfeeding

This is because some working conditions and processes can potentially harm them and/or their child, so you must assess and control the risks posed in each case.

See the HSE’s updated webpage on protecting pregnant workers and new mothers, which includes resources on talking to workers and protecting them from common risks such as working at height and lifting heavy loads.

Contact us today for support with your business’s Risk Assessments.