Protection of Pregnant, Post Natal and Breastfeeding Employees

Many employees work during pregnancy and many return to work while they are breastfeeding.

Because there are some hazards in the workplace which may affect either the health of the pregnant employee or the developing child, an employer has specific responsibilities as set out in Chapter 2 of Part 6 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application Regulations 2007 and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

A risk assessment is required as part of the Safety Statement. This is required in all workplaces. The risk assessment should already have identified any hazards, which may present a risk during pregnancy. The risk assessment specifically required by the Regulations should, therefore, be a re-appraisal of these hazards.
Once an employer becomes aware that an employee is pregnant, post-natal or breastfeeding, the employer must assess the specific risks from the employment to that employee and take action to ensure that the employee is not exposed to anything which would damage either the employee’s health or that of the developing child.

The employer's duties regarding the protection of pregnant, post-natal, and breastfeeding staff are outlined in Guide to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, covering the following: