Pregnant mothers, and their unborn child, may be at risk from certain work activities and certain hazards in the workplace.

Regulations

Part 6, Chapter 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007 is titled “Protection of Pregnant, Post Natal and Breastfeeding Employees”.

On receiving notification that an employee is pregnant, an employer must assess the specific risks to that employee and take action to ensure that she is not exposed to anything in the workplace that will damage either her safety or health, or that of her developing child (Regulation 148).

Schedule 8 of the Regulations details the hazards and work conditions to be considered during this assessment, including:

• - Physical shocks – including direct blows to the abdomen
• - Whole body vibration
• - Manual handling
• - Noise
• - Excessive heat and cold
• - Movement and postures which are abrupt or severe, or give rise to excessive fatigue
• - Ionising radiation
• - Non-ionising radiation
• - Certain biological agents – including viruses, bacteria etc.
• - Certain chemicals – including substances which cause cancer, mercury and carbon monoxide
• - Underground mine work

The assessment must be reviewed regularly as the pregnancy progresses.

Assessment Process

A Nifast Consultant will visit your premises to examine the work activities undertaken by the pregnant employee.  The assessment will concentrate on the hazards and work activities detailed in Schedule 8 and the controls and precautions in place.

Report

A detailed assessment report will be issued, which will include:

• - The conclusions of the assessment.
• - Practical recommendations on the preventive and protective measures necessary to ensure the safety of the pregnant mother, and her unborn child.
• - Advice for the employer on what action to take if the risk assessment identifies possible exposure, which cannot be managed appropriately.

Do you need to undertake a Pregnant Employee Risk Assessment?

• - Do you have pregnant employees among your workforce?
• - Do you determine the suitability of activites carried out by a pregnant worker?
• - Do you have a formal system in place to examine work activities undertaken by pregnant workers?
• - Are you aware of the legislative requirements that apply to pregnant workers?