2. New Mothers

Once a woman has had a baby, her body doesn’t return to full strength for twelve months.  If an employee returns from maternity leave within this 12 month period, the employer has to make sure she is safe and that her health is not at risk from the work activities or environment.

Review the Risk Assessment

Before the new mother returns to work (if possible) have a chat with her and go through the risk assessment you conducted when she was pregnant.  What changes will you need to make?  Is she breastfeeding?  If she is, you must make sure she is not exposed to any substances which could cause her harm e.g. lead, radioactive materials, organic mercury etc. Is there an area where she can rest?  Is there an area where she can express milk (the toilets are not suitable for this)?  Does she have any specific medical needs?

Obviously confidentiality is essential and the New and Expectant Mothers Risk Assessment is one that must never be made available to  anyone apart from the employee herself, the Competent Person and HR.

Whatever control measures are agreed on, they must be implemented, monitored and reviewed.  You must keep in touch, regularly, with the new mother and review the risk assessment as often as her situation demands.

Ongoing Requirements

A person’s medical history is private, and an employee can choose not to reveal information about their health.  This right has to be respected, but it is vital that you show you have done everything possible to look after the health and safety of a new mother, even if you think she is not giving you all the information about her situation.

Be sympathetic, empathetic and open.  Tell her that you want to ensure her health and safety and can only do this properly if you have all the necessary details.

If she sits at a desk or other workstation, she should complete a DSE or workstation assessment every three months, or more often if necessary. 

Liaise with HR throughout this time and once she reaches the 12-month stage, have a final meeting with her to make sure everything is fine and to ask her how she found the health and safety provision throughout her pregnancy and return to work: it’s a valuable learning opportunity for you and might lead to improvements for future new and expectant mothers.