Pregnancy
In line with the Management of Health and Safety Regulations,
employers are legally required to inform relevant staff of the
findings of its assessment of risks presented in the workplace
to all female employees of child bearing age.
Included at the end of this section is a sample document
which should be used by Community and VC schools to give
the necessary information to all such staff.
MANDATORY
Foundation and Voluntary Aided schools may wish to use this
information to inform their relevant staff similarly as in these
instances the employer is the Governing Body and not the
Council. A Governing Body should satisfy itself that this
information is accurate in respect of that particular school.
All employers have an additional duty of care to new and expectant mothers.
Once written notification is received of the condition, all employers are
required to specifically assess and record the risks to the health and safety
of three groups of women;
MANDATORY

those who are pregnant;

those who have recently given birth (defined as having given birth or
miscarried within the previous six months);

those who are breastfeeding.
Where significant risks are identified which may cause harm to the mother or
the child, the employer must follow a course of action effective from the point
at which the risk becomes unacceptable;

to reduce the level of risk as far as is reasonably practicable;

if, after this action, some significant risk remains, then consideration
must be given to alterations to the employee’s hours and conditions.
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Pregnancy
Pregnancy
This will involve, for as long as is necessary;
MANDATORY

temporarily adjusting working conditions and/or hours of work;

redeployment to suitable alternative work;

suspension with pay (or without pay if the employee refuses to move
to suitable alternative work).
Suspension will not affect the employee’s rights to the appropriate amount of
maternity leave.
Advice on these measures should be sought from the HR Schools
Advisory Team on 01225 713088.
Common risks which should be considered:
Manual handling - pregnancy hormonal changes can affect the ligaments and this may increase
susceptibility to what is already the most common of hazards. Furthermore, postural problems may
increase as pregnancy progresses. For those having given birth by Caesarean section there may
well be a limitation on lifting capabilities after the birth.
Noise - prolonged exposure to loud noise may lead to increased blood pressure and tiredness. Both
are undesirable.
DSE work - according to the Health Protection Agency, there is no significant risk to health posed by the levels
of radiation emitted by display screen equipment. However, although there is no scientific evidence to suggest
pregnant women should not work with DSE, it should be recognised that misinformation about this subject can
cause anxiety and stress. There is also the possibility of postural problems from long periods in a static
position.
Biological Agents - exposure to certain substances will be detrimental. Amongst those agents
known or thought to be harmful are the rubella virus, mercury, lead, carbon monoxide and chemicals
which may be absorbed through the skin.
Work conditions - e.g. floor surfaces which may become slippery, adverse weather conditions likely
to cause slips, long periods standing or sitting, extended hours which may lead to tiredness.
Working at Height - Expectant mothers may experience problems with low blood pressure, which
can cause dizziness and fainting. In addition as the baby grows postural problems and a changing
centre of gravity can affect balance and agility. If at all practicable it is not advisable for pregnant
women to work at height. Where however, it is unavoidable every effort must be made to minimise
the amount of such work.
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Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Stress and Fatigue - During pregnancy women may feel anxious and can also experience periods
of extreme fatigue and tiredness. To manage these hazards managers should support expectant
mothers by providing them with appropriate information e.g. details of maternity pay and discuss with
them the topics listed below:-

hours of work;

volume and pacing of work;

work targets;

breaks – consider whether more frequent or longer breaks are needed;

where staff are on their feet for long periods, provide seating so they can rest.
Exposure to Infectious Diseases - Some expectant women, particularly those working with
children or animals or where there is exposure to syringes etc, are at a greater risk of exposure to
infections, which could harm the developing foetus. Listed below are some common diseases and
areas which managers should consider during the risk assessment process:-

Hepatitis and HIV exposure – syringes;

Chicken pox – contact with infectious children;

Rubella – contact with infectious children;

Chlamydia in sheep – contact with infected animals;

Toxoplasmosis – contact with infected animal faeces.
Others - such as vibration and extreme heat or cold may be harmful.
Clearly, this is not an exhaustive list and all elements of the work must be considered.
The LA’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment can be found at:
New & Expectant Mothers Risk Assessment Form
HSE Flowchart
For further advice:
On risk assessment or any health risks to new
or expectant mothers please contact the
Occupational Health Team:
01225 713185
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Pregnancy
Advice for All Female Employees of Child-Bearing Age
This information is to help female employees have a healthy and risk-free pregnancy and post-natal
period.
When anyone provides written confirmation of pregnancy, a full and detailed risk assessment will be
carried out to determine the extent to which your work may present any harm to you or your baby.
Based on the findings of this assessment, any risks should be eliminated or adequately controlled. If
this is not possible then your duties and hours may be altered. Any adjustment is non-detrimental to
the mother and in line with current employment legislation.
The remainder of this advice note sets out the findings of a generic risk assessment and highlights
the range of hazards that could be encountered whilst working for the Council and which could, if not
properly controlled, affect your health or that of your baby. The purpose of providing you with this
generic information is to make you aware of the range of working environments and conditions that
may have health implications.
Remember, a full and person-specific assessment will be undertaken if you become pregnant and
make your condition known to your Headteacher.
Assessment of General Risks to New and Expectant Mothers
Hazards that may be encountered whilst working for Wiltshire Council and which may have an
adverse effect on new or expectant mothers are:

Manual handling

Excessive working hours

Shift or night working

Unusually stressful work

Exposure to violence

Exposure to cigarette smoke

Exposure to high or low temperatures

Exposure to noise or vibration

Exposure to radiation

Exposure to infections and infected
material

Handling drugs or chemicals

Inadequate welfare facilities

Awkward spaces and workstations

Lone working

Working at heights

Driving or other travelling
All of these hazards could theoretically have a harmful effect to new or expectant mothers. Be aware
of them and ensure that you notify your manager immediately if you are pregnant, have recently
given birth or are breastfeeding.
The Council’s overall approach to this issue is available from the Health & Safety Service at County
Hall on 01225 718248. Please see the attached flowchart.
If you have any questions about this issue – contact the Occupational Health Service on 01225
713185.
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Pregnancy
Stage one – Initial risk assessment
Are there
any hazards
present?
NO
Inform
employees
of outcome
Inform workers of the
risk and the need to
notify you of the
pregnancy or if they
are breastfeeding or
have given birth in the
last six months, as
early as possible.
Assess risks,
reduce or
remove if
possible
YES
Stage two – On notification of pregnancy, birth or
breastfeeding
Carry out a specific risk assessment based on initial assessment
NO
Has a risk
been
identified?
Can the
risk be
removed?
YES
YES
Remove
risk
NO
Monitor
and
review
ACTION 1
Adjust
conditions/hours
YES
Can the mother’s working
conditions/hours of work
be adjusted?
NO
ACTION 3
Suspend her from
work on paid leave
for as long as
necessary to
protect her health
and safety, or that
of her child
ACTION 2
NO
Can she be
given
suitable
alternative
work?
YES
Give suitable
alternative work
on same terms
and conditions
All of the above actions should be monitored and
reviewed on a regular basis
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy