Protecting new and expectant mothers at work

New guidance, to help protect the health and safety of new or expectant mothers at work, has been published by the HSE. It is backed by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Maternity Alliance.

A guide for new and expectant mothers who work, aims to answer some of the questions employees may have about continuing to work while pregnant and returning to work after the birth.

New and expectant mothers at work - a guide for health professionals, highlights the importance of health professionals' role in helping to protect these women.

Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their 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.

EOC statistics found that in 2001, 95% of potential tribunal cases involving pregnancy-maternity related discrimination, involved some breach of health and safety legislation.

Copies of the employees' guide are available free from HSE Books or the website. The professionals' guide is only on the website.