Employers must conduct personalised health & safety risk assessments for expectant and new parents, identifying risks like heavy lifting, chemicals, or long hours, and making adjustments such as flexible working, or reallocation of tasks to ensure safety. Support needs of staff will change over time and need to be reviewed regularly (see Risk assessments and Managing sickness during pregnancy).
Useful sites
Health and Safety Executive: Protecting pregnant workers and new mothers: employers
Acas: Managing pregnancy and maternity – Check health and safety risks
Maternity Action: Health-and-safety-during-pregnancy-and-on-return-to-work
