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Pregnancy and New Mothers at Work

Code of Practice

Effective from 1 May 2014

Version Number: 1.2

Author: Safety/Fire Safety OfficerHR - Health, Safety & Wellbeing

University of Salford Pregnancy and New Mothers at Work Code of Practice V1.2

Document Control Information

Status and reason for developmentStatus: Revised

Reason for development:

The original document has been modified to remove any reference to pregnant students, as they are now included in a separate document.

Revision HistoryDate Author Summary of changes Version No.13 October 2014 Claire Whittaker Minor wording change to room provision V1.2

1 May 2014 Claire Whittaker Amended to remove references to pregnant students

V1.1

7 March 2006 Claire Whittaker Document created V1.0

Code of Practice Management and ResponsibilitiesOwner: Associate Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Author: The owner has delegated responsibility for day to day management of the Code to the Safety/Fire Safety Officer

Others with responsibilities(please specify):

All subjects of the Code will be responsible for engaging with and adhering to this policy.Trades Unions will be responsible for engaging with and consulting on proposals for change

Assessment Cross relevant assessments Cross if not applicableEquality AnalysisLegalInformation GovernanceAcademic Governance

X

XXX

Consultation Cross relevant consultationsStaff Trades Unions via H&S CommitteeStudents via USSUAny relevant external bodies(please specify) …………………………………..

XX

Authorised by: Associate Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Date authorised: 7 March 2006

Effective from: 7 March 2006

Review due: Every 2 years from date authorised

Document location: www.salford.ac.uk/hrwww.salford.ac.uk/university/governance/policies-and-procedures and

Document dissemination and communications planThe Safety/Fire Safety Officer will circulate to the Health and Safety Coordinators for the Colleges and Professional

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http://www.salford.ac.uk/university/governance/policies-and-procedures%20

http://www.salford.ac.uk/hr


Services to enable promotion throughout their area of responsibility.

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1.0 Purpose

This document outlines how to manage and support a pregnant worker or a new mother It enables compliance with the University Health and Safety Policy

2.0 Scope

Specify

This document applies to line managers responsible for supporting the pregnant worker or new mother.

It also provides useful information for the pregnant worker or new mother The document is divided into two sections, the first is aimed at managing the pregnant worker

and the second outlines the implications for a new mother

3.0 Code of Practice Statements

3.1 Pregnant workers

3.1.1 Individual Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the pregnant worker to inform their line manager as soon as they are made aware that they are expecting a baby. This will enable the manager to carry out an assessment promptly to avoid unnecessary exposure to risk.

3.1.2. Line Managers’ DutiesThe aim of this document is to provide you, as a manager, with information to ensure the health, safety and welfare of pregnant workers and new mothers whilst at work. Line managers are required to undertake a specific risk assessment, taking into account specific risks and hazards in the environment that the pregnant worker may be exposed to.

As soon as a member of staff advises you that they are pregnant you must complete the pregnant worker’s risk assessment. If you require assistance completing the assessment, contact Health, Safety and Wellbeing for further advice.

3.1.3 Identify the hazards

Physical, biological and chemical agents and working conditions - See the Hazard and Aspects of Pregnancy tables for more information.

3.1.4 Informing about the risk

A summary of the major hazards and associated risks is included within this document for discussion with the pregnant worker.

3.1.5 Record the assessment

The Pregnant Workers Risk Assessment Checklist should be used to assess the activities and should be undertaken jointly by the line manager and the pregnant worker. A copy of each completed assessment checklist should be retained for record purposes and a copy given to the pregnant worker.

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3.1.6 Avoiding the risk

The assessment should cover all activities. If any significant risks are identified from the assessment then you should consider removing the hazard, preventing exposure or controlling the risk. If there is still a significant risk, then the following steps must be taken:

Step 1: temporarily adjust the working conditions and/or hours of work

If this is not reasonable, or would not avoid the risk –

Step 2: offer suitable alternative work, if available.

If this is not feasible, you must –

Step 3: suspend from work (with paid leave for as long as necessary to protect the health and safety of the mother or that of the child.

3.2 New Mothers

If the new mother is planning to return to work within 6 weeks of the birth of their baby, they should be advised to confirm with their midwife or GP that they are well enough to return and resume study, and any restrictions that need to be imposed.

If the new mother is planning to return to work more than 6 week after the birth of their baby, they must confirm that the 6 week post natal check with their GP has taken place and they are able to resume their normal duties.

If there are any complications or restrictions, the midwife or GP must detail what these are.

If the manager has any concerns about the health or ability of the new mother to resume work, they should refer the new mother to the Occupational Health facility.

If the new mother informs you that they intend to breast feed or express milk, the Risk Assessment Checklist for Breastfeeding Mothers should be completed to ensure that the hazards they are exposed to during work will not present a risk to the new mother or child.

3.2.1 Facilities for new mothers

Suitable spaces for new mothers to breast feed or express milk will be provided on request in an appropriate University building. Before the new mother returns to work, the line manager should contact the Estates & Property Services helpdesk to request access to a room. Five working days notice is required to enable them to prepare and clean a room for the new mother.

If the baby is to be brought onto campus for the purpose of feeding, then it should only be for this purpose and should not be kept on work premises for longer than necessary. Although the University undertakes, as far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that its premises are low risk to children, many University buildings, due to their age or the work being done within them, are simply not designed with the needs of children in mind.

General risks regarded as insignificant for mature visitors may be more significant for children and in general the University does not have the facilities to contain children safely.

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4.0 Code of Practice Monitoring and Performance

Application of this Code of Practice will be monitored through the University health and safety audit process.

Pregnant Workers Risk Assessments and New Mothers at Work Risk Assessments may contain confidential information and, as such, should be stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

5.0 Related Documentation

Pregnant Workers - Risk Assessment Checklist www.salford.ac.uk/hr

New Mothers at Work – Risk Assessment Checklist for Breastfeeding Mothers www.salford.ac.uk/hr

6.0 Training and Support

The contacts below can assist you with the development and preparation of risk assessments and accessing appropriate facilities.

Risk assessment support:Health, Safety & Wellbeing Tel: 0161 295 5425Email: [email protected]

Facilities for New Mothers:Estates & Property Services helpdesk:Telephone - 0161 295 4444Email - [email protected]

7.0 Appendices

7.1 Summary of hazards associated with pregnant workers or new mothers

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mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




7.1 Summary of Hazards to Pregnant Workers and New Mothers

Hazard Risk

Physical Hazards – where these are regarded as agents causing foetal lesions and/or likely to disrupt placenta attachment and in particular:

Movements and posture/load handling Increased susceptibility to ligament damage and postural problems

Standing for long periods Can lead to dizziness, fainting and fatigue. It can also contribute to an increased risk of premature childbirth and miscarriage.

Sitting for long periods Poses a relatively high risk of thrombosis or embolism, particularly with constant sitting. In later stages of pregnancy, more likely to experience backache.

Shocks and Vibration Regular exposure to shocks, low frequency vibration (e.g. off road vehicles) or excessive movement may increase risk of miscarriage.

Noise No specific risk, but prolonged exposure to loud noise may lead to increased blood pressure and tiredness

Ionising radiation Harmful to unborn child

Non ionising radiation No specific risks identified

Work in pressurised enclosures – hyperbaric atmosphere

Risk to unborn child

Underground mining or confined spaces Difficult physical conditions and may pose risk owing to cramped conditions and dangerous atmosphere

Biological Agents – infectious diseases

Any biological agent of hazard group 2, 3 or 4 Diseases in these risk groups may be transmitted through the placenta whilst child is in the womb, or during or after birth, for example through breastfeeding.

Biological agents known to cause abortion of the unborn child, or physical and neurological damage.

These include: rubella (German measles), toxoplasma, cytomeglavirus (common outside the workplace) Chlamydia in sheep.

Chemical Agents – may enter the human body through different pathways: inhalation, ingestion, cuts and abrasions, and dermal absorption. The following may endanger the health of the pregnant woman and unborn child

Substances labelled R40, R45, R46, R61, The actual risk to health can only be determined by a

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R63, R64, R68 and H340, H341, H360, H361 and H362

detailed risk assessment

Preparations labelled on the basis of Directive 1999/45/EC

The actual risk to health can only be determined by a detailed risk assessment

Chemical agents and industrial processes in Annex 1 to Directive 90/394/EEC

The actual risk to health can only be determined by a detailed risk assessment

Mercury and mercury derivatives Organic mercury compounds could have adverse effects on the unborn child.

Antimitotic (cytotoxic) drugs In the long term these drugs cause damage to genetic information in sperm and eggs. Some cause cancer. Absorption is by inhalation or through the skin.

Chemical agents of known and dangerous absorption through skin – this includes some pesticides.

Can penetrate skin and cause ill health effects.

Carbon monoxide This substance readily crosses the placenta and can result in unborn child being starved of oxygen.

Lead and lead derivatives Indications are that exposure to lead, either before or after birth via the mother or during early childhood, can impair development of the child’s nervous system.

Working conditions

Tiredness/fatigue and resting facilities Tiredness increases during and after pregnancy and this may have an effect on work patterns and or working hours

Access to hygiene facilities Without easy access to toilets and associated hygiene facilities, there may be significant risk of infection and kidney disease

Occupational stress Hormonal, physiological and psychological changes in addition to changes in life circumstances may lead to an increased vulnerability to anxiety and depression.

Passive smoking Cigarette smoke poses a risk to the infant

Extremes of cold or heat Extremes of temperature or sudden temperature changes may lead to physical stress

Work with VDU’s There is no scientific link between use of VDU’s and birth defects or miscarriage

Working alone Pregnant women are more likely to need urgent medical attention

Working at heights It is hazardous for pregnant women to work at heights, for

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example ladders, platforms, etc.

Work related violence There is an increased risk to workers who are pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, who may be subject to work related violence. It can lead to detachment of the placenta, miscarriage, premature birth, etc.

Personal protective equipment Physiological changes may make wearing equipment uncomfortable and in some cases affect fit resulting in a risk to the wearer.

In addition to the hazards listed in the table above, there are other aspects of pregnancy which may affect work. The impact will vary during the course of the pregnancy and you will need to keep their effects under review.

Aspects of Pregnancy Which May Affect Work Activity

Possible affects of pregnancy May cause difficulties

Morning sickness, headaches Early shift work and exposure to nauseating smells

Backache Standing/manual handling/posture

Varicose veins Standing

Haemorrhoids Working in hot conditions

Frequent visits to the toilet Difficulty leaving job/site

Increase in sizeUse of protective clothing, confined spaces, manual handling and sitting

Tiredness Overtime, evening work

Balance Working on slippery, wet or uneven surfaces

Comfort Problems of working in tightly fitting uniforms

Dexterity, agility and coordination, speed of movement and reach

All may be impaired owing to increasing size

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