Faculties and Directorates should follow the University risk assessment procedure to include hazards to new or expectant mothers. Where risks cannot be removed, information about risks and precautions must be provided to women of child bearing age who might be affected by the work. This will be done by Health & Safety Managers, Line Managers, Health & Safety Local Officers, project leaders or tutors as appropriate.
Advice for Health & Safety Local Officers and others carrying out risk assessments is given in "New & Expectant Mothers at Work".
Staff
On receiving written notification from a member of staff that she is pregnant, has given birth within the previous six months or is breastfeeding, Faculties and Directorates must specifically assess any risks to mother or child. The assessment must take into account any advice from her doctor or midwife.
If risks are identified and cannot be removed, Faculties and Directorates must:
- Temporarily adjust her working conditions and/or hours of work
Or if that is not possible and with advice from Personnel either: - Offer her suitable alternative work (at same pay and conditions) if available
Or if that is not feasible: - Place her on special paid leave, on full pay, for as long as necessary to protect her health and that of her child
A new or expectant mother must not work nightshifts if she has a certificate from her doctor or midwife stating that this will affect her health. She must be offered suitable alternative work or placed onto special paid leave, on full pay for as long as necessary.
Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should be permitted to take breaks in suitable rest facilities. Where a need for frequent rest periods has a significant impact on work, the Faculty Operating Officer or Director of Professional Service through the Human Resources Directorate, may request an assessment by Occupational Health.
For advice on time off to attend antenatal clinic, maternity leave and benefits, see the Human Resources pages on the University Intranet.
Students
Students should inform their tutor or project leader if they are pregnant, have given birth within the previous six months or are breastfeeding. A specific risk assessment should be carried out by the tutor, project leader, Health & Safety Manager or Health & Safety Local Officer as appropriate. The assessment should take into account any advice from her doctor or midwife. Where risks to mother or child cannot be removed, alternatives should be discussed with the Office or Directorate.
For further advice about maternity benefits and other pregnancy-related issues, contact the Student Affairs office on campus.
Original - January 2012
Review - July 2015