Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Pregnancy / New Parent Risk Assessment and Safety at Work Policy
Steve Taylor, Associate Director - Workforce Projects
Assessment and Safety at Work Policy Document http://kingsdoc/docs/policies
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Dr Lisa Curran, Consultant Occupational Physician Occupational Health
Team / Department: Senior Workforce Team 20 December 2023 Infection Prevention and Control 3 August 2023 Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead Occupational Health Team 3 August 2023 Clinical Scientist (Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine) 19 December 2023 PRG Group Members 20 December 2023
Keywords: Pregnancy & Safety at work
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
The Management of Health and Safety at Work (MHSW) Regulations 1999 places a legal duty on all employers to assess the health and safety risks that their employees are exposed to whilst at work. The MHSW includes regulations to protect the health and safety of New and Expectant Mothers (NAEM's)/Birthing Parents. King's Anti-Discrimination Statement King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is dedicated to embracing the broad diversity of our staff, patients and communities and stand firmly against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. Our commitment extends to all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 as well as other vulnerable groups. We expect every employee to respect and uphold this in relation to all our trust policies, practices, and procedures. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion and belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Discrimination towards our staff or patients, in any form, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, racism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexism, ageism, religious discrimination, and any other prejudiced behaviour that undermines the rights, wellbeing and identity of our staff, and patients. 2. Definitions
The definition of a New or Expectant Mother/Birthing Parent is a person who is currently pregnant, has given birth within the previous six months or currently breastfeeding/chestfeeding. 3. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this document is support the identification/assessment of any risks or hazards in the workplace that may affect the health and safety of individual staff who are new or expectant mothers/birthing parents. As part of any risk assessment, consideration must be given to the health of both the mother/birthing parent and the unborn/newly born child.
During the course of pregnancy and after childbirth work place risks and their impact will change. Risk assessments should be reviewed and/or repeated as necessary. Recognising and addressing risks as they develop will help to ensure new and expectant mothers/birthing parents are adequately protected and that expectant mothers/birthing parents are able to remain in the workplace throughout the term of their pregnancy.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
4. Duties
4.1 Managers
Managers must take action to reduce and control those risks and hazards in the workplace that may affect the health and safety of a NAEM/birthing parent. They are required to carry out and regularly review risk assessments for all work activities in their department. All staff are advised of the measures they must take to control any identified risks. Managers are also required to carry out individual risk assessments for NAEM's/birth parent's, as soon as they are advised by the staff member they are pregnant. The risk assessment must be reviewed regularly, particularly as the pregnancy progresses during the first, second and third trimesters, as working activities change or there are changes to the NAEM's or birth parent's health.
Managers must also inform all their staff members of childbearing age (not just those who are pregnant) of any key significant risks which could pose a threat in a potential pregnancy. It is recommended that this information is shared at relevant team meetings and sent out via email, to ensure all staff have received. Managers of identified high risk areas within the Trust, are to share this policy and appendices frequently with their staff.
HSE (Health & Safety Executive) state the Manager "Complete an individual risk assessment for your worker" When you have been informed in writing, you must complete an individual risk assessment for them. Review your existing general risk management and controls for pregnant workers and new mothers Talk to them to see if there are any conditions or circumstances with their pregnancy that could affect their work Discuss any concerns they have about how their work could affect their pregnancy Consult with their safety representative or trade union if they have one You must take account of any medical recommendations provided by their doctor or midwife. Protecting pregnant workers and new mothers - Risk assessment (hse.gov.uk)
Risk Assessment for NAEM's and Birthing Parents
Once notified in writing that a member of staff is pregnant, or is breastfeeding/chestfeeding, the Manager and member of staff should meet as soon as the manager has been notified of the pregnancy to identify any hazards. The Risk Assessment guidance notes and risk assessment form for NAEM's/birthing parents (Appendix 1 and 2) must be used and should supplement any existing assessments for the work area/group. Copies of the completed form should be given to the member of staff and placed on the local personnel file. The form must be completed prior to any referral to Occupational Health.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Managers should seek advice from Occupational Health if there is cause for concern, e.g. issues identified during the risk assessment; high level of pregnancy related sickness absence or evidence that member of staff is finding it difficult to cope. If a referral to Occupational Health is required, Managers should use the standard referral form which can be accessed at OH Management referral. Any referral should include the individual risk assessment.
Following advice from Occupational Health, Managers should consider whether it is appropriate for employees to remain in their current role, with or without adjustments or restrictions on their duties. If staying in the current role is not possible, temporary redeployment should be considered. In exceptional circumstances, managers may need to consider whether staff should remain off work during a pregnancy. In these cases managers should seek advice from Human Resources.
4.2 Members of Staff
HSE (Health & Safety Executive) recommends that if you:
- are pregnant - are breastfeeding/chestfeeding - have within the past six months given birth
You should notify your Manager in writing, so they can carry out a risk assessment with you and discuss any concerns that you may have with your working environment. If you do not feel comfortable discussing this with your Manager, please approach your "Grandparent" Manager. If neither of these options are appropriate for you, you can contact our Occupational Health Team who will be able to carry out your risk assessment with you. Please note that whilst Occupational Health will be able to give you personal recommendations any changes required to your workplace, working environment, working pattern or any impact to your job role, they will still require input from your line Management Team. When meeting with the Occupational Health Team, nothing from your meeting with them will be shared with your Manager without your consent being given.
High Risk Areas of Work
There are some working areas where risks to an unborn child is significantly higher, for example someone working within Ionising Radiation, whilst HSE guidance states a staff member should tell their employer about their pregnancy or breastfeeding/chestfeeding, it is strongly recommended as a minimum to contact Occupational Health as early as you are comfortable, so that additional considerations can be given to protecting both parent, unborn and newly born child.
For additional information regarding Ionising Radiation please see Appendix 1 - Risk Assessment Guidance Notes - Ionising Radiation within this policy.
Telling the Employer about the Pregnancy (GOV.UK)
Employees must tell their employer about the pregnancy at least 15 weeks before the beginning of the week the baby is due. This is in line with guidance from GOV.UK, NHS,
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
ACAS and Royal College of Nursing (web links to these organisation's sites are listed below).
If this is not possible (for example because they did not know they were pregnant) the employer must be told as soon as possible.
Employees must also tell the employer when they want to start their Statutory Maternity Leave and Statutory Maternity Pay.
Employees cannot take time off for antenatal appointments until they've told the employer about the pregnancy. However, employees can attend traditional medical appointments.
Pregnant employees' rights - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) You and your baby at 25 weeks pregnant - NHS (www.nhs.uk) Telling your employer you're pregnant - Maternity leave and pay - Acas Having a family toolkit | Advice guides | Royal College of Nursing (rcn.org.uk) 4.3 Occupational Health Services
Occupational Health advises on the fitness/ability of NAEM's/birthing parents to work and advises on adjustments, restrictions or alternative work duties if required and in the following circumstances:
- Pre-employment screening - Pregnancy related ill-health for current staff - Staff who are due to return or have returned from maternity/parental leave
If you feel unable to approach your Line Manager or "Grandparent" Manager to discuss that you are pregnant, breastfeeding/chestfeeding or within the past six months given birth, you can contact our Occupational Health Team who will be able to carry out your risk assessment with you. Please note that whilst Occupational Health will be able to give you personal recommendations any changes required to your workplace, working environment, working pattern or any impact to your job role, they will still require input from your line Management Team. When meeting with the Occupational Health Team, nothing from your meeting with them will be shared with your Manager without your consent being given.
Please note: Occupational Health are unable to process requests for maternity leave, this can only be carried out by your Line Manager and therefore, we recommend informing your Line Manager of your pregnancy. 5. Risk Assessment Guidance
All workplace hazards should be managed to protect the most vulnerable. The ideal approach would be to reduce fertility hazards such as chemicals, radiation, or lifting first for the workgroup as a whole to avoid the need for special measures for NAEM's/birthing parents as far as possible. However this approach may not take into account individual requirements so it is necessary to conduct an individual risk assessment for NAEM's/birthing parents.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
The hazards which may affect the health and safety of a NAEM/birth parent or their unborn/newly born child may relate to physical, biological and chemical agents as well as working conditions.
Guidance on risk factors and measures to control risk for NAEM's and birthing parents is detailed in Appendix 1.
5.1 The Effects of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not an illness and pregnant people are as capable of work as any other member of staff. Conditions most regularly associated with pregnancy include morning sickness, potentially aggravated by early morning shifts or nauseating smells. Backache is another common complaint, often associated with prolonged work, poor working posture and manual handling activities. The increase of needing to urinate more frequently.
The risk of injury resulting from manual handling activities may also increase due to the weakening effect on ligaments caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Poor posture and working in hot environments may lead to varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
The increasing physical size of pregnant people may interfere with their ability to wear personal protective equipment properly, thus reducing its effectiveness. Closely fitting protective clothing may also be uncomfortable during and after pregnancy due to increased sensitivity of the skin.
Pregnant people need to have ready access to toilet facilities. They may also suffer from increasing tiredness/fatigue and may be unable to sustain strenuous physical effort or work long shifts without suitable rest periods. Balance may be affected and so risks from uneven, cluttered or slippery floors should be considered.
5.2 New Mothers/Birthing Parents Returning to Work
Managers are required to assess the risks to new mothers/birthing parents returning to work. In some cases, this can be achieved by a review of the initial assessment completed during the pregnancy.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding: There may be risks, other than those associated with pregnancy, to consider if a member of staff is breastfeeding/chestfeeding. If a member of staff intends to breastfeed/chestfeed after they have returned to work a new Risk Assessment Form (appendix 2) should be completed, with copies retained in the local personnel file.
Every reasonable effort should be made to provide new mothers/birthing parents with a suitable environment to express and store milk. Where practical this should include a private/secure room which can be locked on the inside and access to an appropriate refrigerator. If suitable facilities are not available, managers and staff are encouraged to explore flexible working arrangements which enable the member of staff to breastfeed/chestfeed without a negative impact on service quality.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
There is an expressing room at the Denmark Hill site, Suite 7, First Floor, Golden Jubilee Wing, where staff returning from maternity leave can rest and express. A similar location is being arranged at the Princess Royal University Hospital. Royal College Midwives statement for infant feeding - rcm-position-statement-infant-feeding.pdf Post-Caesarean Section: If a member of staff intends to resume work which involves lifting and manual handling activities within six months of a Caesarean Section, managers should seek advice from Occupational Health.
Sickness following the end of maternity/parental leave: Staff unable to return to work due to ill-health will be managed in accordance with the Trust's sickness absence policy and procedure. Managers should seek advice from Occupational Health if the mother/birthing parent is ready to return to work but has a medical condition which might put them at risk in the working environment.
6. Implementation
No further training needs or resources are required to implement this policy.
7. References
Health and Safety Executive - www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/index.htm GOV UK - Pregnant employees' rights - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) NHS - You and your baby at 25 weeks pregnant - NHS (www.nhs.uk) ACAS - Telling your employer you're pregnant - Maternity leave and pay - Acas RCN - Having a family toolkit | Advice guides | Royal College of Nursing (rcn.org.uk)
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Appendix 1 - Risk Assessment Guidance Notes
Hazards and situations Risk Risk Control / Avoidance Measures
Physical Agents
Manual handling Manual handling should be avoided by pregnant people unless the risks are judged to be low. If this is not possible the extent of the tasks should be controlled so that the risk of injury is minimised. There can also be risks for those who have recently given birth, e.g. after a Caesarean section there is likely to be temporary limitation on lifting and handling capability. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding: There is no evidence that breastfeeding/chestfeeding mothers or people are at greater risk from manual handling injury that any other worker. It may be possible to alter the nature of the task so that risks from manual handling are reduced for all workers, including new and expectant mothers/birthing parents.
Where heavy or repetitive manual handling is an integral part of the individual's job they may need to be temporarily re- deployed during the pregnancy and for a short period of time after they have given birth. In this situation, further advice should be sought from Human Resources. Movements and posture Postural problems can arise at different stages of pregnancy, and on returning to work. These problems may increase as the pregnancy progresses, especially if the work involves awkward movements or long periods of standing or sitting in one position. There may be additional risks, if a person is returning to work after childbirth with medical complications such as Caesarean birth. Sitting for prolonged periods can increase the risk of developing blood clots, and constant standing can cause dizziness and fatigue. Backache is a common feature of advancing pregnancy. Managers should ensure that workers who are pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding/chestfeeding are not expected to perform awkward movements or adopt awkward postures , especially in confined spaces and, where appropriate, work equipment and lifting gear should be introduced or adapted, storage arrangements altered, or workstations or job content redesigned. To help maintain healthy circulation avoidance of the following is advisable: - long periods spent handling loads - standing or sitting without regular exercise or movement
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Any adjustments made should be periodically reviewed by the Manager Shocks and vibration Regular exposure to shocks, i.e. sudden severe blow to the body or low frequency vibrations (floor buffers), or excessive movement may increase the risk of miscarriage, especially in the first and second trimesters. Long-term exposure to the risk may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding workers are at no greater risk than other workers. Work to be organised in such a way that pregnant workers and those who have recently given birth are not exposed. Ionising Radiation Significant exposure to ionising radiation can be harmful to the foetus and this is recognised by placing limits on the external radiation to the abdomen of the expectant mother or birthing parent for the declared term of their pregnancy.
If a NAEM/birthing parent works with radioactive liquids or dusts these can cause exposure to the child, particularly through contamination of the mother's/birthing parent's skin.
There may be an increased risk to the foetus from significant amounts of radioactive contamination breathed in or ingested by the mother/birthing parent.
Ionising radiation may cause cancer. The probability of cancer induction is dependent on radiation dose. The probability of Work procedures should be designed to keep exposure of the pregnant woman or person as low as reasonably practicable and certainly below the statutory dose limit for pregnant women or people.
For any employee working with radiation, they are required to notify their manager if they become pregnant (IRR Regulation 15c), this notification should be in writing. The manager should communicate with the Radiation Protection Supervisor and/or Radiation Protection Team so that a radiation risk assessment is carried out for the pregnant member of staff". If pregnant, the dose to foetus should then be restricted to 1mSv for the rest of pregnancy.
If there is any uncertainly over whether the pregnant employee may be at risk of radiation exposure during their work, the manager should seek advice from the Radiation Protection Supervisor and/or Radiation Protection Team.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
cancer induction in young children and the developing foetus is higher than in adults.
Special attention should be paid to the possibility of nursing mothers/chestfeeding individuals receiving radioactive contamination and they should not be employed in work where the risk of such contamination is high. The Manager should review this risk once nursing mothers/chestfeeding period has finished.
The working conditions should be such as to make it unlikely that a pregnant woman or person might receive high accidental exposures to radioactive contamination
Non-Ionising Electromagnetic Radiation Optical Radiation - no greater risk than normal workers.
Electromagnetic fields and waves (radio frequency radiation). Exposure to electric and magnetic fields within current recommendations is not known to cause harm to the developing child or the mother/birthing parent. Exposure to electrical and magnetic fields should not exceed the restrictions on human exposure published body the NRPB
Biological agents
Biological agents These may be transmitted across the placenta while the child is in the womb or during or after birth e.g. if the child is breastfed/chestfed. Examples of agents that might affect the child in this way are Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Herpes, syphilis, chickenpox and typhoid. For most workers the risk of infection is no higher than from living in the community but in certain occupations e.g. biomedical science, nursing, medicine, exposure is more likely. Seek advice from Infection Control and Occupational Health Services.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Chemical agents
Chemicals There are 800 substances labelled with risk phrases i.e., R40, R45, R46. The risk assessment will determine the presence of a particular substance in the workplace Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), all chemicals have a classification that indicates the level of risk. These are listed below.
R40: harmful if swallowed, risk of irreversible effects R45: may cause cancer R46: may cause heritable genetic damage R47: may cause birth defect R61: may cause harm to the unborn child R63: possible risk of harm to the unborn child R64: may cause harm to breastfed/chestfed babies
The risk posed by chemicals in any work area should already be controlled in compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. Users should note that correctly managed work with a chemical should entail very little exposure to hazardous chemical substances and that use is NOT necessarily the same as exposure and although the substances listed may have the potential to endanger health or safety, there may be no risk in practice, e.g. if exposure is below a level which might cause harm. Managers should review any existing workgroup/area risk assessments when completing an individual assessment for NAEMs/birthing parents and ensure staff are compliant with COSHH regulations including the use of suitable protective clothing and infection control. Antimitotic (Cytotoxic) drugs In the long term these drugs cause damage to genetic information in sperm and eggs. Some can cause cancer. Absorption is by inhalation or through the skin.
These drugs have the ability to arrest the multiplication of living cells. They achieve this by interfering with the essential functions of the cell, especially those involving cell division. As above and including:
There is no known threshold limit and exposure must be reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable. Assessment of the risk should look particularly at preparation of the drug for use (pharmacists, nurses), administration of the drug, and disposal of waste (chemical and human). Those who are trying to conceive a child or are pregnant or breastfeeding/chestfeeding should be fully informed of the reproductive hazard. HSE's Guidance Note MS21 Precautions for the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs gives information about
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
the health hazards and advice on avoidance/reduction of risk.
Local advice:
First Trimester
- No administration of Cytotoxic or Cytostatic Drugs - No cleaning up of spillage or handling of body fluids - No reconstitution of drugs at all.
Second and Third Trimester
- Administration must be via risk assessment of individual drug and must include Personal Protective Clothing. - No reconstitution of drugs at all. Lead and lead derivatives High exposure to lead is associated with increased frequency of spontaneous abortion, stillbirths and infertility. Lead can also enter breast/chest milk and may adversely affect the nervous system of young children and should be viewed with concern As above and including:
The Approved Code of Practice associated with the Lead Regulations "Control of Lead at Work" sets out the current exposure limits for lead and the maximum permissible blood lead levels for workers who are exposed to lead to such a degree that they are subject to medical surveillance. It gives a blood level for men and a lower level for women of reproductive capacity. This is to help protect the foetus from injury in the weeks before a pregnancy is confirmed.
Once their pregnancy is confirmed, individuals who are subject to medical surveillance under the lead regulations will normally be suspended from work which exposes them significantly to lead by Occupational Health or the Appointed Doctor carrying out the medical surveillance.
Mercury and mercury derivatives There is evidence that organic mercury compounds may have adverse effects on the foetus. Animal studies and human observations have As above
Considerations:
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
demonstrated that exposure to these forms of mercury during pregnancy can slow the growth of the unborn baby, disrupt the nervous system, cause the mother or birthing parent to be poisoned.
No clear evidence of adverse effects on developing foetus from studies of humans exposed to mercury and inorganic mercury compounds.
No indication that mothers or birthing parents are more likely to suffer greater adverse effects from mercury and its compounds after the birth of the baby.
No such clear evidence exists for metallic mercury or inorganic mercury compounds, although it would be advisable to avoid exposure to these materials also. EH17: Mercury - health and safety precautions.
MS12: Mercury - medical surveillance gives practical guidance on the risks of working with mercury and how to control them Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide readily crosses the placenta and can result in the foetus being starved of oxygen. Data on the effects of exposure to carbon monoxide on pregnant women or people are limited but there is evidence of adverse effects on the foetus. Both the level and duration of maternal/perinatal exposure are important factors in the effect on the foetus.
There is no indication that breastfed/chestfed babies suffer adverse effects from their mother's/birthing parent's exposure to carbon monoxide, nor that the mother or birthing parent is significantly more sensitive to carbon monoxide after giving birth. The Mother/birthing parent to Baby Factsheet Carbon Monoxide (mothertobaby.org) gives practical advice on the risks of working with carbon monoxide and how to control them. It warns that pregnant women or people may have heightened susceptibility to the effects of exposure to carbon monoxide.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Working conditions
Working hours Mental and physical fatigue increase during pregnancy and in the postnatal period due to the various physiological and other changes taking place. Consideration needs to be given to new and expectant mothers/birthing parents who work at night. If necessary, managers should adjust working hours temporarily, as well as other working conditions, including the timing and frequency of rest breaks, and to change shift patterns and duration to reduce risk. NAEMs/birthing parents cannot be required to work at night if they have a medical certificate from their medical practitioner, stating that night work could affect their health and safety. Where managers are unable to find suitable alternative hours, they will need to contact Human Resources. Working with Display Screen Equipment
There is no identified risk from any radiological emissions from computer screens.
NAEMs/birthing parents do not need to stop working with Display Screen Equipment (DSE).
Postural issues may be of concern in the latter stages of pregnancy. The workstation should be reassessed and adjusted to suit the changing needs of the NAEM/birthing parent, and the work arranged to allow regular breaks from the screen.
Ergonomic Positioning at the workstation should be reviewed as the pregnancy progresses. Personal Protective Clothing/ equipment Pregnancy and breastfeeding/chestfeeding involves physiological changes which may make existing protective equipment (PPE) not only uncomfortable but also unsafe for use e.g. where equipment does not fit properly. The risk assessment must take into account changes in risks as pregnancy progresses. If the fit of PPE and comfort becomes an issue, alternatives should be sourced. If no suitable alternative is available, other work for the employee should be considered. Work at heights Due to the physical and physiological changes which occur Managers must ensure that pregnant workers do not work
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
in pregnancy it is hazardous for pregnant people to work at heights, for example ladders, platforms.
Working in tightly fitting workspaces or with workstations which do not adjust sufficiently to take account of increased abdominal size, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy. at heights, or in confined spaces these should be avoided. Travelling Travelling as part of their working pattern, may be problematic for pregnant people, involving risks including fatigue, sickness in early stages, vibrations, stress, static posture, discomfort and accidents. These risks can affect the health of NAEM's/Birthing Parents. Ongoing discussion with an individual, as the pregnancy progresses, and reviewing their work activities which require travel, with consideration given to flexible working practices or any other reasonable adjustments. Lone Working If a person works alone whilst pregnant it is essential to consider what help, support and emergency arrangements are required, especially during the latter stages of pregnancy. Work procedures should be designed to limit all staff from lone working. Managers should review existing workgroup/area risk assessments when completing an individual assessment with NAEM/birthing parent to assess risk and address concerns.
Consideration should also be given to the advisability of lone working for pregnant women/birthing parent, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy.
Violence at Work (Verbal or Physical Aggression) Risk assessments should assess the risk of the NAEM/birthing parent from being exposed to violence or aggressive behaviour at work which could result in psychological distress or physical harm.
The potential should be identified and controlled particularly in pregnancy as physical assault can Managers should review any existing workgroup/area risk assessments when completing an individual assessment.
Appropriate control measures must be implemented to reduce the risk of all staff to violence at work. However, it should be recognised that
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
result in placental detachment, miscarriage, premature delivery and it may impair a mother's/birthing parent's ability to breastfeed/chest feed.
NAEM/birthing parent may feel especially vulnerable and additional control measures implemented as necessary - temporary redeployment to other work or into a safer work area may be necessary. Stress (including post-natal depression) Pregnancy may lead to an increased vulnerability to workplace stressors as hormonal, physiological and psychological changes occur and can change rapidly during and after pregnancy, sometimes affecting a person's susceptibility to work related stress.
Individual control arrangements should be identified through a stress risk assessment in line with the Trust's Stress at Work Policy available here.
Extremes of cold or heat As with all workers, exposure to excessive heat or cold should not be prolonged. When pregnant, people may have a lower tolerance to heat and may be more liable to faint or suffer heat stress. However, temperatures within the hospital are not likely to represent a significant hazard.
If the department or service is adversely affected during very unusual weather conditions, managers should review the situation and consider alternative working arrangements, E.g. provide more frequent breaks away from the work area or operate from alternative locations, clothing etc. Shift work and night work Night work. Most night workers who are pregnant should be able to continue work as normal. Occasionally pregnant women or people may experience health problems that they consider to be caused or exacerbated by night work. If a NAEM/birthing parent is regularly involved in night work (11pm-6am) and they need to have a medical certificate from their medical practitioner stating that night work should be avoided, they must be found alternative daytime work. If this is not possible please speak to Human Resources. Slips, Trips and Falls NAEMs/birthing parents are more prone to falls due to changing body shape Those who work in areas where wet or slippery floors are a common aspect, should ensure that they always wear comfortable slip resistant footwear. Adjusting workstations or work procedures may help remove postural problems and risk of accidents.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Medication/drugs Some drugs/medications may present a risk and need to be assessed individually. All drugs handled at work by staff as part of patient's treatment should be assessed to ensure they do not present a risk, in particular cytotoxic medications.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Appendix 2 - Risk Assessment for New and Expectant Mothers/Birthing Parents
Member of staff: Date of Assessment:
Existing workplace hazards Significant risk to mother/birthing parent or child?
Action taken to avoid risk
Yes
No
1. Physical Manual handling Movements and posture
Shocks and vibration
Ionising radiation Non-Ionising Electromagnetic Radiation
2. Biological Blood borne viruses, e.g. Hepatitis B or C, or HIV
Contact with high- risk groups e.g. children with Rubella or chickenpox, or patients with shingles or Tuberculosis, etc.
Food preparation infections e.g. listeria, water- borne infections e.g. typhoid, animal associated infections e.g. brucellosis, tetanus
3. Chemical Chemicals Antimitotic (Cytotoxic drugs)
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Lead and lead derivatives -
Mercury and mercury derivatives
Carbon Dioxide 4. Working Conditions Working hours Working with VDUs
Personal Protective Clothing/ equipment
Work at heights Travelling Lone Working Violence at Work (verbal or physical aggression)
Stress (including post-natal depression)
Extremes of cold or heat
Shift work or night work
Slips and Trips Medications/drugs
If you have identified any significant risk to the health and safety of a NAEM/birthing parent or unborn/new born child, please take immediate steps to remove the risk and contact Occupational Health on 0203 299 3387, extension 33387 for further advice.
Signature of Member of Staff: ______________________________
Signature of Manager: ____________________________________
Signature of Member of Staff: ______________________________
Signature of Manager: ____________________________________
Signature of Member of Staff: ______________________________
Signature of Manager: ____________________________________
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
COPIES TO BE RETAINED BY MEMBER OF STAFF AND PLACED ON LOCAL PERSONNEL FILE.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Does the 'Document Location and History' section clearly state where the current document can be located, the document that it replaces and where the archived document can be found? Yes
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Pregnancy and New Mothers/Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Safety at Work Policy Date of Assessment 11/10/2023 What are the aims of this project, policy, function, and or service?
The aim of this policy is to provide a clear process for managers to put in place preventative and protective health and safety measure for staff members who are pregnant/new mothers/birth parents at work.
Who could be affected by this proposal? (e.g. applicants, employees, customers, service users, members of the public)
Staff who are pregnant/new mothers/birthing parents. Which policies are related to or referred to as part of this assessment? Occupational Health Health and Safety Policy HSE Policy Sickness Absence Policy Flexible Working Policy
How will the impact on people be assessed? (e.g. consultations forums, meetings, data collection) Managers and staff who are pregnant/new mothers/birthing parents will undertake regular risk assessment meetings to discuss, complete and review the staff member's risk assessment. Staff members completed risk assessment forms and kept within their local personnel files for reference.
Please include available Equality Data relating to the use or implementation of this policy, project, function or service? (e.g. Care Group breakdown, WRES, WDES, Sexual Orientation monitoring standard, Patient Feedback, Workforce data etc.)
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
Trust Headcount Summary Total Staff Headcount 14,672 Female Headcount 10,978 On Maternity Leave 401 Average of 3.65% female staff are pregnant/maternity leave at any one time 3.65%
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
What are the potential impact/s of implementing this policy, project, function or service on people who share protected characteristics as listed below?
Protected Characteristic: Neutral
X Staff Survey data demonstrates that younger staff who are in lower banded roles have a more negative experience of flexible working and work life balance e.g less allowance for home working and part time / job share working. This has an impact on young / lower banded expectant mothers as they manage the pregnancy alongside work pressures. This policy will therefore have a positive impact on New or Expectant Mother/Birthing Parents that are under 30 as it will provide further clarification on the process, guidance and support for managers and staff
Disability (Mental, Physical, and Carers of Disabled people)
X There are no perceived negative impacts on staff based on their disability and the regular risk assessments conducted by Managers will support staff within this group.
Which stakeholder consultations have been included in the development or implementation of this policy, project, function or service? This policy will be reviewed by the Trust's Head of Occupational Health, Workforce Senior Leadership Team, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion colleagues, All Staff Networks, Staff Side
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
What are the potential impact/s of implementing this policy, project, function or service on people who share protected characteristics as listed below?
Protected Characteristic: Neutral
x This policy positively supports all staff that have undergone or are due to undergo gender re- assignment. Marital Status (Married and Civil Partnerships)
X There are no perceived negative impacts on staff based on their marital status Pregnancy and Maternity X This policy positively supports all staff who are pregnant/new mothers/birthing parents. Race (All Racial Groups)
X Data demonstrates that health inequalities exist amongst New or Expectant Black and minority ethnic Mother/Birthing Parents. This policy will support the minimising of health inequalities experienced by pregnant Black Asian and minority ethnic staff at King's through fit for purpose guidance, process and accountability.
We also have a significant number of internationally recruited staff that may lack a strong support network to support them with the pregnancy and birth. This policy and risk assessment will support identifying any safety concerns.
Religion or Belief
X There are no perceived negative impacts on staff based on a staff member's religion or belief.
Sex (Men and Women Includes non-binary)
X This policy positively supports staff who identify as women and non-binary.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
What are the potential impact/s of implementing this policy, project, function or service on people who share protected characteristics as listed below?
Protected Characteristic: Neutral
X There are no perceived negative impacts on staff based on their sexual orientation.
Health Inequalities X Data demonstrates that health inequalities exist amongst New or Expectant Black and minority ethnic Mother/Birthing Parents. This policy will support the minimising of health inequalities experienced by pregnant Black Asian and minority ethnic staff at King's through fit for purpose guidance, process and accountability. Deprived Areas X We serve some of the most deprived areas and staff will be from those communities. This policy will seek to provide a consistent approach to supporting New or Expectant Mother/Birthing Parents from all backgrounds, especially those that may be impacted adversely by the cost of living crisis, and lack of social mobility.
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy
ERA Action Planning Form Action Plan Owner: Jackie Boore Commencement date: 14 October 2023
FOR EQUALITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION TEAM Date of Assessment: (dd/mm/yyyy)
Pregnancy and New and Expectant Mothers / Birthing Parents at Work Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Policy