Pregnant women and risk assessments

Following the publication of a checklist by shopworkers' union USDAW (see last month's issue), the TUC has produced detailed and practical online guidance on pregnancy and risk assessments.

The Equal Opportunities Commission recently found that most employers do not undertake risk assessments for expectant and new mothers as required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The TUC wants safety reps to ensure that employers obey the law and protect both pregnant workers and those who return to work while breast-feeding.

The guidance can be downloaded from www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-9712-f0.cfm