Risk Management – Health and Safety at Work (New and Expectant Mothers)

Your member of staff has confirmed that she is pregnant. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended) require employers to take particular action to ensure new or expectant mothers are not exposed to any significant risks by undertaking a specific risk Assessment in their area of work. Were a risk or genuine concern that could be prejudicial to the pregnant worker, her unborn child or the new mother is identified you should take the following steps to remove the employee from the risk – namely:-

1.Temporarily adjust her working conditions/hours of work;

or

2.Offer suitable alternative work e.g. to an area which involves less physical activity

or

3.Where the above has been fully considered and is impossible and in extreme circumstances suspend her from work on paid leave for as long as necessary to protect her safety/health or that of her child.

Please undertake a Risk Assessment for your member of staff and complete and detach the following checklist and return to Susan Murray, Maternity Leave Officer, Directorate of Human Resources, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary within two weeks of the date of this letter. If you require further advice please contact the Risk Management Support Unit, Learning & Development Risk Trainers or the Occupational Health Service. Queries regarding work practice or alternative employment should be addressed to your Directorate Personnel Officer.

Risk Assessment Sheet

Employee’s Name:
Grade:
Ward/Department:
Manager:
Date:

I (or a designated Risk Assessor) have carried out a risk assessment in respect of the above named employee in relation to her current job and my conclusion is as follows (please tick as appropriate):-

a)There is no significant risk at work to the health and safety of the mother or her unborn child
b)I have temporarily adjusted her working conditions (please give brief details below)
c)I have offered her alternative work (please give brief details below)
d)I have suspended her from work due to the exceptional circumstances detailed below:-

NB:Risks should be reviewed as the pregnancy progresses and any changes in circumstances should be notified immediately to Angela Lobban.

BANK STAFF – Please make the Ward sister/Department Head aware of your condition and liaise closely with your “Link” Sister

Signature (Manager) Designation:

Signature (Employee)