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Health and safety
The following links contain useful information on health and safety issues.
There is also a brief summary on new and expectant mothers as this is an area that is often overlooked by Employers.
USEFUL WEBSITES
- Business Link http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&r.lc=en&topicId=1073858799 Very comprehensive guidance, especially helpful for smaller businesses. Includes interactive tools, and practical information about subjects such as which signs to display, how to undertake risk assessments etc.
- Health and Safety Executive
HSE is the national governing body for Health and Safety regulation. The site contains a wealth of information on all aspects of Health and Safety. - The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The charity’s aim is to ensure the personal safety of everyone and has some useful guidance and safety products such as alarms. This website is particularly helpful for organisations that have staff who work in the community & lone workers. - Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/health/general Contains background information on health and safety issues such as managing absence, drug and alcohol misuse.
New and Expectant Mothers
A “new or expectant mother” is defined as an employee who is pregnant, who has given birth within the previous six months or who is breastfeeding.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to identify, assess and address risks to new and expectant mothers and/or their babies.
Risk assessments must take account of physical, biological and chemical agents, processes and working conditions which may affect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers.
Employers are also required to provide suitable rest facilities for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Women are legally not to return to work within two weeks of giving birth.
The Working Time Regulations 1998 affect new and expectant mothers, especially in the area of night working, and their entitlement to free assessment of their health and capabilities before commencing night work duties. You may need to suspend on full pay if you can not make the necessary adjustments / offer suitable alternative work.
Consideration needs to be given to the increased risks from biological agents, such as hepatitis B, that may be passed from mother to foetus/child.
Page last edited: 14 May 2012
