HSE also releases supporting guide for health professionals
Guidance to help protect the health and safety of new or expectant mothers at work has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The guidance, supported by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Maternity Alliance, aims to answer some of the questions employees may have about continuing to work while pregnant and returning to work after the birth. Also, "New and Expectant Mothers at Work - A guide for health professionals" highlights the importance of health professionals' role in helping to protect pregnant women.
The HSE explained how employers have a legal responsibility to protect female employees from hazards and risks in the workplace and to assess possible risks to new and expectant mothers. "If risks are identified then the new or expectant mother is entitled to a change in working conditions, be offered suitable alternative work, or if that's not possible suspended from work on full paid leave for as long as necessary", added the HSE.
Of 1,434 cases of possible discrimination involving pregnancy and maternity examined by the EOC last year, 1,387 involved some breach of health and safety legislation.
Launching the two guides at the Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Services national conference for midwives and GPs, HSE's head of health management unit, Colleen Bowen, said: "It is important that women employees inform their employers that they are pregnant or breastfeeding as early as possible. This is because employers are not required to take any specific action until they have received written notification.
"Health professionals, in particular GPs and midwives, play a vital role during a woman's pregnancy and following the birth of her child. It is important, therefore, that they are aware of employers' responsibilities. Where ill health is detected, it is important to investigate whether her work is a contributing factor, and provide advice to her employer on how to solve the problem rather than signing her off sick."
The HSE stressed that "being pregnant or a new mother does not prevent women from working and developing their career". Every year around 350,000 women continue to work during their pregnancy and of these 69% return to work soon after giving birth, it said.
Christine Gowdridge, director of the Maternity Alliance, said: "A better understanding of the health and safety laws protecting pregnant women and new mothers can help health professionals to protect the health and well-being of mothers and of course their babies. And it could lead to fewer women losing out financially at a time when they need it the most. That's why the HSE's new guidance is important in raising the awareness of health professionals and of pregnant women on employers' responsibilities."
"A guide for new and expectant mothers who work" and "New and Expectant Mothers at Work - A guide for health professionals" are available via the website, with the health professionals document only being made available in .pdf format. See links below.
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