Revised HSE guidance

[ch 3: page 53]

HSE guidance for new and expectant mothers was revised following the findings of a parliamentary inquiry looking into pregnancy and maternity discrimination (see below) and is available from the HSE website.

A new risk assessment action flowchart outlines the action an employer must take and begins with:

Stage 1: General Risk Assessment — Assess the risk to the health and safety of your employees, including females of child-bearing age and new and expectant mothers;

Stage 2: After notification — revisit your general risk assessment.

Even if no risk is identified, it advises employers they must still “monitor and review this assessment regularly as circumstances may change”.