Maternity Workstation Assessments

What we offer:

Workstation assessments for pregnant workers.

This (up to one hour) assessment is designed to ensure your company is complying with the HSE regulations and helps to ensure the pregnant worker has both an ergonomically sound and safe environment to work in until maternity leave.

Our Maternity Workstation Assessment comprises of a standard Workstation Assessment whilst paying particular attention to the following:

• Introduction and explanation of the procedures for the maternity workers immediate and future needs, including work routines and changing tasks throughout the maternity period.
• Posture: Addressing the employees existing and changing posture at the workstation offering tips and advice on changing work routines and tasks management throughout the pregnancy for better long term physical comfort.
• Workstation Suitability: Display Screen Equipment, keyboard & mouse use, desk height and desk space management.
• Chair: Assessing, assisting and advising user on how to best use and adjust their chair throughout the maternity period.
• Environment, heating, ventilation, cabling, hazardous substances and clear safe access to and from the workstation.
• Laptop use and discussion about using correct accessories.
• Bound Report: The assessment will include a list of observations/actions taken by the assessor and advice on any future actions that both employer and the employee need to consider throughout the pregnancy.

Typical assessors reference below:

"John has just left, thanks for sending a very knowledgeable and proficient chap. A good course put over in an interesting way, well done to him". Assistant Health and Safety Adviser - Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

The Law and employers obligations

There are specific laws which require employers to protect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW) include regulations that protect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers who work. Under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, if an employer fails to protect the health and safety of their pregnant workers, it is automatically considered sex discrimination. The regulations cover female employees who are, or in the future could be, a new or expectant mother. In other words, women of childbearing age who are or in the future could be pregnant, have given birth within the previous six months, or are breastfeeding. Sourced from HSE Website.

HSE case

On notifying her employer of pregnancy, a sales worker was given extra work and put under pressure to exceed her sales targets prior to going on maternity leave. The pregnant worker suffered a miscarriage and was signed off from work due to stress.

The employer was taken to an Employment Tribunal where the judgement found that they were in breach of health and safety legislation for not conducting a specific risk assessment. They were also found to be in breach of the Sex Discrimination Act and the Employment Rights Acts. Much time and expense could have been saved if the employer had conducted a risk assessment. Sourced from HSE Website

FAQ's

Do I have to be pregnant before my employer takes action to protect my health and safety?

No. Your employer is required to conduct a risk assessment for his/her employees, which should also include any specific risks to females of childbearing age who could become pregnant and any risks to new and expectant mothers.

Do I have to tell my employer that I am pregnant or that I am a new mother?

While you do not have to inform your employer that you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important (for you and your child’s health and safety protection) that you provide them with written notification as early as possible. Until your employer has received written notification from you, they are not obliged to take any action other than those resulting from the risk assessment for all their employees. Your employer can also ask for a certificate from your GP or your midwife showing that you are pregnant.

What sort of risks might I be exposed to?

You may be at risk from different physical, biological, and chemical agents, working conditions and processes. These risks will vary depending on your health, and at different stages of your pregnancy. Your employer will be doing a specific risk assessment. You will be asked to help with this and it is important that any advice you have received from your doctor or midwife, that could impact on the assessment, is passed on to your employer. Some of the more common risks might be:

• Lifting/carrying of heavy loads.
• Standing or sitting for long lengths of time.
• Exposure to infectious diseases.
• Exposure to lead.
• Work-related stress.
• Workstations and posture.
• Exposure to radioactive material.
• Threat of violence in the workplace.
• Long working hours.
• Excessively noisy workplaces.

I have pregnancy-related medical conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, history of miscarriages etc.). How does this affect the risk assessment my employer has to carry out?

Your employer must take into account, during your specific risk assessment, any medical advice from your GP or midwife about your health and adjust your working conditions accordingly.<

Does the risk assessment get repeated as my pregnancy progresses?

Yes. Your employer should regularly monitor and review any assessment made to take into account possible risks that may occur at different stages of your pregnancy.

Am I entitled to more frequent rest breaks?

Yes. You will need to agree timing and frequency of rest breaks with your employer as part of your specific risk.

How much time can I take off to go to antenatal appointments?

There is no set limit to how much time you can take off. You are entitle to time off with pay to keep appointments for antenatal care made on the advice of your GP, midwife or health visitor. Apart from your first appointment you must provide, if requested, an appointment card or some other document showing that an appointment has been made. More information on this can be found in DTI’s guidance on maternity rights.

All FAQ’s above have been sourced from the HSE web site and are sourced from the following booklet: A guide for new and expectant mother who work HSG122 ISBN 0 7176 2583 4.

Further reading

Management of health and safety at work. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Approved Code of Practice and guidance L21 (Second edition) HSE Books 2000 ISBN 0 7176 2488 9 Workplace health, safety and welfare. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Approved Code of Practice L24 HSE Books 1992 ISBN 0 7176 0413 6 Five steps to risk assessment Leaflet INDG163(rev1) HSE Books 1998 ISBN 0 7176 1565 0).