Maternity
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Getting to grips with manual handling
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Employers are required by law to protect the health and safety of pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Employers then need to be sympathetic if issues are raised with them and in addition take into account such matters in risk assessments.
It is recognised that because their cells are dividing rapidly foetuses or new babies are particularly susceptible to exposure to certain toxins. If possible employers should seek to exclude mothers from exposure to these materials. Examples would be:
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Ionising radiation
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organo-halide used for industrial cleaning
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fumes such as soldering fumes
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spray painting exposure
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fumes and dust from photocopier materials.
Employers should recognise that whilst there are exposure limits set down un COSHH (see chemicals indexed opposite), there are no exposure limits for foetuses or young children.
The other main area of concern should be lifting and carrying. Experience suggests that many pregnant mothers overestimate their ability to lift - employers should set down strict instructions. Our advice is to stop all pregnant or new mothers from lifting at all.
Employers should then be extremely cautious about any possible toxic exposure or health and safety issues when employees are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is essential that a risk assessment is carried out for all pregnant employees and that this is reviewed on return to work after the birth. For most occupations this is a straightforward review see the HSE leaflet indexed opposite.