New and Expectant Mothers – A Guide for Employers

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Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
ADOSH-SF Technical Guideline
New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for
Employers
Version 4.0
July 2024

ADOSH-SF – Technical Guideline
New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 2 of 32
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Assessing the Workplace .............................................................................................................................. 4
2.1. Prior to Notification of Pregnancy, Child Birth or Breastfeeding. ....................................... 4
3. Training.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
4. Notification of Pregnancy, Birth or Breastfeeding............................................................................ 7
5. Specific New and Expectant Mother Risk Assessment ................................................................... 8
5.1. Undertaking a Specific Risk Assessment ................................................................................... 10
5.2. Gathering Information....................................................................................................................... 10
5.3. Issues to be considered during the risk assessment process ............................................ 11
5.4. Specific Hazards .................................................................................................................................. 12
5.5. Communication and Consultation ................................................................................................. 22
5.6. Risk Assessment Review ................................................................................................................. 22
6. Return to Work.............................................................................................................................................. 24
7. Breastfeeding in the workplace ............................................................................................................. 25
8. References ..................................................................................................................................................... 26
9. Document Amendment Record ............................................................................................................... 27
Appendix 1 – Risk Assessment Template ..................................................................................................... 28

ADOSH-SF – Technical Guideline
New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 3 of 32
1. Introduction
(a) ADPHC recognizes that everyone has an equal right to protection from harm at work,
but that doesn’t mean treating everyone as if they were all the same. For example,
the jobs that women and men do and their working conditions are not always the
same. These factors may affect the hazards they face at work and the approach that
needs to be taken to assess and control them. This is even more relevant for women
if they fall pregnant or have recently delivered a child.
(b) The requirements that are set within the ADOSH-SF are applicable to all workplaces
and employees and must be implemented where applicable, regardless of gender,
however the guidance within this document is aimed specifically at new and
expectant mothers.
(c) Pregnancy brings many changes for a woman. These changes will vary depending on
the individual circumstances, and may or may not interfere with a woman’s ability to
carry out her work duties in the usual manner.
(d) Pregnancy and childbirth are a normal part of a woman’s life and should not be equated
with ill health. Many women work while they are pregnant, and many return to work
while they are still breastfeeding.
(e) The purpose of this booklet is to provide employers with guidance on what measures
they can take to help to make the workplace safe and healthy for women when they
become pregnant or indeed return to work following the birth of their child.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 4 of 32
2. Assessing the Workplace
2.1. Prior to Notification of Pregnancy, Child Birth or Breastfeeding.
(a) Under the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk Management, all employers
and workplaces must undertake a risk assessment of their undertakings. As part of
this risk assessment, employers must ensure that they identify any hazards that could
affect the safety and health of their employees or affected persons, which includes
females of childbearing age.
(b) In most cases pregnancy usually goes undetected for the first 4-6 weeks. It is
therefore important for employers to ensure that hazards and risks for all female
employees of childbearing age are identified and control measures implemented.
(c) The risk assessment should also take account that some hazards can present more of
a risk at different stages of the pregnancy. Exposure limits for hazardous substances
and other agents are set at levels which should not put a pregnant or breastfeeding
worker, or her child, at risk. (In some cases, there are lower exposure levels for
pregnant workers, or for women of childbearing capacity, than for other workers.)
Controlling common workplace risks appropriately will reduce the need for special
action for new and expectant mothers.
(d) An example of this could be chemicals with the risk phase 62 (R62) which poses a
possible risk of impaired fertility. If using chemicals classed as these then regardless
of being pregnant, women of childbearing age should not be exposed.
(e) Further examples could be manual handling, hormonal changes can affect the
ligaments, increasing susceptibility to injury and postural problems may be increased
as the pregnancy progresses.
(f) Following a completion of the workplace risk assessment, the employer is required to
consult and inform employees of the outcome of the risk assessment and also of the
control measures that have been implemented. This is no different for women of
childbearing age, as the employer you have a duty to ensure they are aware of any
specific hazards that may be present in the workplace that could affect their ability to
have children, their unborn child or may affect them during breastfeeding.
(g) It is vitally important that your employees are aware of the need for written
notification of pregnancy, or that they are breastfeeding or have given birth in last six
months, as early as possible.
(h) Figure one below gives an overview of the process.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 5 of 32
Stage One initial Risk Assessment of the Workplace
Undertake a risk assessment in line with the requirements of ADOSH-SF –
Element 2 Risk Management
Are hazards present?
Assess the risks and implement suitable control measures to reduce the risk to
an acceptable level
No
Can the risk be removed?
Document the findings
Ensure employees or other persons of childbearing age are considered
Yes
Inform employees of the outcome of the risk assessment
Inform employees or other persons of the risk and the need to ensure early
notification of pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
No
Remove the risk Yes
Fig 1: Stage One assessment of the workplace

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 6 of 32
3. Training
(a) Following the initial risk assessment of the workplace, there will be a need to
undertake some training for employees. In the main, the training will be identified by
the risk assessments undertaken, however with regards to new and expectant
mothers, there will be additional training that needs to be provided.
(b) Firstly, as an employer you must ensure that OSH personnel employed within your
organization are educated on the occupational hazards associated with new and
expectant mothers. This training will help ensure that the risk management programs
and ongoing controls implemented within the workplace take into account any specific
hazards or issues that may be harmful.
(c) Secondly there is a need to provide specific training to women in the workplace that
are of childbearing age. This training should include specific information on the
hazards within the workplace with special consideration for how this could affect
them if they are pregnant, have given birth in the last six months or are breastfeeding.
(d) It should also include information on what is required of the employee, including the
need to ensure early notification of pregnancy, birth in the last six months or
breastfeeding and also to ensure they are aware of the need for ongoing
communication during this period and to highlight any issues they are experiencing as
early as possible.
(e) The training provided to this group should also include information on what actions
will be taken by the employer following notification.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 7 of 32
4. Notification of Pregnancy, Birth or Breastfeeding
(a) Under the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 9.1- New and Expectant Mothers,
employees are required to notify their employer as soon possible that they are
pregnant, breastfeeding or recently given birth. This notification is required to be in
writing and should include certification from a registered medical practitioner. There
may be instances where the certification from a registered medical practitioner is
delayed, this should not result in a delay from the employer implementing the
requirements of the Code of Practice.
(b) As an employer, it is vital that all employees are aware of the need to provide early
notification and the reasoning behind this notification.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 8 of 32
5. Specific New and Expectant Mother Risk Assessment
(a) Following notification from your employee that she is due to give birth, or indeed has
recently given birth, there are a number of specific actions that must be put in place
to safeguard the health of the mother and child. Figure two below outlines the process
for a specific new and expectant mother’s risk assessment.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 9 of 32
Stage Two: Specific New and Expectant Mothers Risk Assessment
Undertake a specific person risk assessment
Are there any identified risks? No
Yes
Can the risk be removed?
Can the working hours or
conditions be adjusted to reduce
the risk
No
Can alternative duties be
offered within the workplace
Can alternative duties be
offered outside of the workplace
that will remove the risk
No
Adjust working
hours / conditions Yes
Offer alternative
duties Yes
Offer alternative
duties outside the
workplace
Yes
Remove employee from the workplace
on same pay and benefits.
No
Monitor and review the risk assessment at regular intervals
No
Remove the risk Yes
Fig 2: Specific New and Expectant Mothers Risk Assessment

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 10 of 32
5.1. Undertaking a Specific Risk Assessment
(a) The risk assessment process is not a complicated one and it is important that the
employee is fully involved in the process. It is also important that a sympathetic,
flexible approach is adopted during this process and the employee is made to feel at
ease as this is already a stressful time for some.
(b) Always ensure that the employee is aware of the objectives of the assessment and
not made to feel that due to her pregnancy or having given birth, she is being made
to change her working environment.
(c) The risk assessment should be undertaken after discussion with the employee
concerned and observation of her working practices. Discussions should also take
place with her line manager to ensure any other concerns are identified. Once
notification has been given to the employer, a risk assessment must be carried out as
soon as is reasonably practicable.
(d) A template for undertaking a specific risk assessment for new and expectant mothers
is provided in Appendix one. Employers can use this template to document any
findings for the risk assessment. This template may require alteration to ensure it
meets the needs of the organization.
5.2. Gathering Information
(a) As with all risk assessments, the more information available on the undertakings of
the employee and the procedures they are following, the more likely the specific risk
assessment will be able to identify any issues that may be present. Review your
general workplace risk assessments that have already been completed and identify
any issues within these that may affect the employee. Consider reviewing:
(i) General risk assessments carried out on normal working;
(ii) Manual handling risk assessments carried out on normal working;
(iii) risk assessments for any chemicals that may be used in the working
environment;
(iv) Information regarding normal role and activities carried out; and
(v) Personnel information such as previous absence and other medical information
that may be held within the personnel file.
(b) This information will help employers to determine if there is any underlying
information that needs to be taken into account during the risk assessment. If hazards
are identified through the general risk assessments that may pose additional risks to
a pregnant worker, these must be taken into consideration during the process.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 11 of 32
5.3. Issues to be considered during the risk assessment process
5.3.1. Pregnant women
(a) Problems such as fatigue, backache, nausea/vomiting, swollen ankles, dizziness can
occur even during a normal pregnancy.
(b) Any pre-existing health problems such as epilepsy, diabetes or blood pressure may
increase the likelihood of harm occurring whilst undertaking certain tasks at work.
(c) In addition, some work factors such as standing for uninterrupted periods of longer
than 3 or a total of 5 hours per day or prolonged spells of lifting or bending may have
a cumulative harmful effect.
5.3.2. Breastfeeding Mothers
(a) Whilst new mothers may not actually breastfeed whilst at work, there may be a need
to express milk. Employers are required to make provision for them to do this and
provide facilities to store the milk.
(b) The expressed milk can be stored in a refrigerator if it is in a suitable sealed and
labelled container.
5.3.3. Return to Work
(a) Regular communication/liaison with the individual is essential to the effective
management of the health, safety and welfare of new and expectant mothers.
5.3.4. During pregnancy
(a) If a woman returns to work after sickness absence during pregnancy, she must only
do so with the consent of her GP.
(b) It may be necessary to temporarily adjust the woman’s working conditions/hours or
offer suitable alternative duties in order to facilitate a successful return to work.
5.3.5. After giving birth
(a) Anyone returned from maternity leave must be seen by her HR manager and a full risk
assessment carried out prior to return to work.
(b) The medical practitioners consent must be given for anyone who wishes to return to
work prior to the postnatal checkup.
(c) Caesarean Section – There can be a risk from manual handling to women who have
recently given birth after caesarean section. A temporary limitation on lifting and
handling capabilities may be necessary for up to 12 months after birth.
(d) Anyone returning to work following miscarriage/still birth must be dealt with in a
sympathetic and discreet way.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 12 of 32
5.4. Specific Hazards
(a) When undertaking a risk assessment for a new or expectant mother, you need to
ensure that it is specific to the individual and her working conditions. Each person’s
capability to carry out work during pregnancy will vary greatly. The physical demands
of her job, together with the individual’s health, physical strength, fitness and stage
of pregnancy must be taken into account. When assessing any risks, the medical
information that is supplied must be taken into account as this could have a bearing
on the ability to carry out the role.
(b) As an example, the posture of expectant mothers changes to cope with increasing
size, this will affect how they can cope with different hazards at work and should be
considered through the risk assessment process.
(c) Table one below, identifies a number of issues that should be considered when
undertaking a specific risk assessment for new or expectant mothers. It is important
to note that this table is not exhaustive and only provides guidance on some of the
more common issues. Employers should ensure they undertake a robust specific risk
assessment for their employees.
Table one: Possible hazards for new and expectant mothers
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Physical Agents
Shocks, vibration or
movement
Regular exposure to shocks low
frequency vibration, for
example driving or riding or
excessive movement, may
increase the risk of a
miscarriage. Long term
exposure to vibration does not
cause fetal abnormalities but
often occurs with heavy
physical work, so there may be
an increased risk of prematurely
or low birth weight
Pregnant employees and those
who have recently given birth
are advised to avoid work likely
to involve uncomfortable whole
body vibration, especially at low
frequencies, or where the
abdomen is exposed to shocks
or jolts.
Breastfeeding employees are at
no greater risk than other
employees

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 13 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Manual Handling
Pregnant employees are
especially at risk from manual
handling injury e.g.: hormonal
changes can affect the
ligaments, increasing
susceptibility to injury and
postural problems may be
increased as the pregnancy
progresses
There can also be risks for
those who have recently given
birth, for example after a
caesarean section there is likely
to be a temporary limitation of
lifting and handling capability.
There is no evidence to suggest
that breastfeeding mothers are
at greater risk from manual
handling injury than any other
employee
It may be possible to alter the
nature of the task so that tasks
that have a manual handling
risk are reduced for all
employees including new or
expectant mothers. It would be
necessary to address the
specific needs for the employee
and reduce the amount of
physical work she is required to
do
Noise
Although no direct or specific
risk to new or expectant
mothers or fetus, prolonged
exposure may cause tiredness
and increased blood pressure
Comply with
ADOSH-SF - CoP
3.0 – Occupational Noise
Work at heights Fall from ladders, platforms
Risk assessment to consider
additional risks associated with
working at heights
Prevent exposure to work at
heights

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 14 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Radiation Hazards:
Ionizing radiation
Significant exposure can harm
the fetus
If a nursing mother works with
radioactive liquids or dusts the
child can be exposed,
particularly through
contamination of the mother’s
skin
Reasonably practicable risks to
fetus from significant amounts
of radioactive contamination
breathed
Design work: procedures to
keep exposure of the pregnant
women as low as reasonably
practicable and certainly below
the regulatory dose limit for
pregnant women. eg. 1mSv
during the remainder of
pregnancy (as from the moment
the employer is notified of the
pregnancy)
Nursing mothers shall not be
employed where the risk of
radioactive contamination is
high
Non-ionizing
electromagnetic
radiation
Optical radiation risk: pregnant
or breastfeeding mothers at no
greater risk than other
employees
Electromagnetic fields and
waves Risk: exposure within
current recommendations is not
known to cause harm, but
extreme over-exposure to
radio-frequency radiation could
cause harm by raising body
temperature
Exposure to electric and
magnetic fields shall not
exceed restrictions on human
exposure published by the
National Radiological Protection
Board – UK

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 15 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Biological Agents
Hepatitis B
HIV(Aids virus)
Herpes
TB
Syphilis
Chickenpox
Typhoid
Rubella
Toxoplasma
Cytomegalovirus
Many biological agents can
affect the unborn child if the
mother is infected during
pregnancy. These may be
transmitted through the
placenta while the child is in the
womb, or during or after birth,
for example through
breastfeeding or through close
physical contact between
mother and child
Depends on the risk
assessment, which will take
account of the nature of the
biological agent how infection
is spread, how likely contact is,
and what control measures
there are. These may include
physical containment, hygiene
measures, and use of available
vaccines if exposure justifies
this
Where there is a high risk then
the pregnant employee shall
avoid exposure altogether
Chemical Hazards
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide crossing the
placenta can result in the fetus
being starved of oxygen. Level
and duration of maternal
exposure are important factors
in the effect on the fetus
No indication that breastfed
babies suffer adverse effects
from the mother’s exposure to
carbon monoxide, or that the
mother is significantly more
sensitive to carbon monoxide
after giving birth
Change processes or
equipment.
Warn pregnant women that
they may have heightened
susceptibility to the effects of
exposure to carbon monoxide

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 16 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
All substances labeled
R40, R45, R46,
R47,R61,R63,R64
The risks associated these ‘R’
phrases are:
R40 reasonably practicable
risks or irreversible effect
R45 may cause cancer
R46 may cause heritable
genetic damage
R47 may cause birth defect
R61 may cause harm to the
unborn child
R63 reasonably practicable
risks of harm to the unborn
child
R64 may cause harm to
breastfed babies
Risk assessments shall be
undertaken, as this is the only
way to determine the actual
risk to health.
For work with hazardous
substances, which include
chemicals which may cause
heritable genetic damage,
employers are required to
assess the health risks to
employees arising from such
work, and where possible
prevent or control risks. In
carrying out assessments
employer shall have regard for
women who are pregnant, or
who have recently given birth
Comply with the
ADOSH-SF -
CoP 1.0 – Hazardous Substances
Lead and lead
derivatives
Wide range of toxic effects
during pregnancy and
impairment of the child after
birth. More recent studies draw
attention to an association
between low-level lead
exposure before the baby is
born from environmental
sources and mild decreases in
intellectual performance in
childhood
Once pregnancy is confirmed,
women shall be suspended from
any work which exposes them
to lead at 50% of the
permissible exposure limit and
reassigned to suitable duties
Comply with the
ADOSH-SF -
CoP 1.2 – Lead Exposure
Management

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 17 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Mercury and mercury
derivatives
Exposure to organic mercury
compounds during pregnancy
can slow the growth of the
unborn baby, disrupt the
nervous system and cause the
mother to be poisoned
There is no clear evidence of
adverse effects on developing
fetus of exposure to mercury
and inorganic mercury
compounds
No indication that mothers are
more likely to suffer greater
adverse effects from mercury
and its compounds after the
birth of the baby
Postnatal exposure has been
documented among infants
breastfed by mothers exposed
after delivery to methyl
mercury. Inorganic mercury is
also excreted in breast milk
Pregnant or breastfeeding
mothers shall not work with or
handle mercury

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 18 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Antimitotic (cytotoxic)
drugs
In the long term, damage to
genetic information in sperm
and egg. Some can cause cancer
Absorption is by inhalation and
through the skin
Pregnant doctors and nurses
administering antimitotic
agents (even when doing so
with extreme care) have shown
a significant increase in fetal
loss and/ or congenital
malformations
Restrict all pregnant women
from handling antimitotic drugs
in any form. No known
threshold limit; Exposure shall
be reduced to as low a level as
is reasonably practical.
Assessment of risk shall look
particularly at preparation of
the drug for use (pharmacists,
nurses), administration of the
drug, and disposal of waste
Those who are trying to
conceive or are pregnant, or
breastfeeding shall be informed
of the reproductive hazard.
Transfer any pregnant
employee preparing
antineoplastic drug solutions to
another job
Working Conditions
Temperature extremes
of heat or cold
Prolonged exposure of
pregnant employees to hot
environments shall be kept to a
minimum, as there is a greater
risk of the employee suffering
from heat stress. Breastfeeding
may be impaired by heat
dehydration
Working in extreme cold may be
a hazard for pregnant women
and their unborn children. Warm
clothing shall be provided
The risks are particularly
increased if there are sudden
changes in temperature
Heat Avoidance: Take great
care when exposed to
prolonged heat. Appropriate
rest, rest facilities and access to
refreshments would help, along
with unrestricted access to
drinking water. New and
expectant mothers shall note
that thirst is not an early
indicator for heat stress. They
shall drink water before they
get thirsty, preferably in small
and frequent volumes
Comply with
ADOSH-SF – CoP
11.0 – Safety in the Heat
Cold Avoidance: No specific
problems from working in
extreme cold. Provide warm
clothing

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 19 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Display screen
equipment
Although there has been
widespread anxiety about
radiation emissions from display
screen equipment and possible
effects on pregnant women,
there is substantial evidence
that these concerns are
unfounded.
Pregnant women do not need
to stop working with display
screen equipment, but to avoid
problems caused by stress and
anxiety; those who are worried
about the effects shall be given
the opportunity to discuss their
concerns with someone
appropriately informed of
current authoritative scientific
information and advice.
Travelling
There is no direct risk from
ordinary driving whilst
pregnant, however in the later
stages of pregnancy discomfort
may be experienced due to size
and problems with mobility.
Excessive driving could also
result in physical or mental
pressure of fatigue.
The woman’s travel routines
need to be examined and
revised as required. The welfare
facilities that are available
along these routes need to be
taken into consideration, as
during the later stages of
pregnancy, there will be a need
for more regular welfare stops.
Stress
Stress needs to be taken into
account whilst undertaking the
risk assessment. A discussion
on the person’s role and how
that affects her should be
undertaken. Also remember
that stress is a lifestyle issue
and there may be other issues
outside work that are affecting
her and her ability to work.
There are a number of issues
that could be causing stress.
Issues such as excessive hours,
difficult clients or accounts,
monthly financial targets or
other KPI’s or even just due to
her inability to work in the
same manner as she did prior to
her pregnancy could be causing
stress.
Any issues that are causing the
person stress should be
examined and adjusted
accordingly. This may involve
reducing her hours or changing
her working environment.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 20 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Working Routine / Hours
Excessive hours could lead to
additional stress or fatigue.
The working environment may
not be set up in a user-friendly
manner for a pregnant worker
and this could lead to additional
stress or discomfort.
A discussion with the person
should include any issues
around her work routine and
environment. If any issues are
raised then reasonable
adjustments should be made.
Emergency Evacuation
This may become an issue in
the later stages of pregnancy,
especially in building where
several flights of stairs have to
be descended during an
evacuation.
Due to decreased mobility the
person may not be able to
evacuate the building
efficiently. There should also be
consideration to the other
persons who will be using the
escape routes, and what the
effects would be.
There are several actions that
can be done to assist the timely
evacuation of a building for a
pregnant worker.
A buddy could be appointed to
assist the person form the
building. This may involve the
use of an EVAC chair.
An evacuation plan should be
devised for the person, this plan
must be communicated to other
parties that could be affected.
It should also be reviewed as
the pregnancy advances.
It is good practice to test any
evacuation plans that are in
place on a regular basis.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 21 of 32
List of Hazards / Agents
or Working Conditions Potential Risk Precaution / Possible Control
Measures
Work Equipment /
Personal Protective
Equipment
Work equipment and personal
protective equipment is not
generally designed for use by
pregnant women. Pregnancy
(and breastfeeding) involves
physiological changes which
may make some existing work
and protective equipment not
only uncomfortable but also
unsafe for use in some cases -
for example, where equipment
does not fit properly or
comfortably, or where the
operational mobility, dexterity
or co-ordination of the woman
concerned is temporarily
impeded by her pregnancy or
recent childbirth.
Any PPE used by a new and
expectant mother should be
reviewed as part of the risk
assessment and suitable
changes implemented. This
should be continually reviewed
as the pregnancy advances to
ensure is it still valid.
(d) Apart from the workplace hazards that could be present, there are other aspects of
pregnancy that need to be taken into account. The impact will vary during the course
of the pregnancy and as such should be kept under review. A good example of this is
the posture of expectant mothers will change during her pregnancy and this may have
a major impact on the tasks she is able to perform safely.
(e) Other issues that need to be considered are:

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 22 of 32
Table 2: Aspects to be considered:
Aspects of Pregnancy Work Factors
Morning’ sickness Exposure to nauseating smells
Backache Standing/manual handling/posture
Varicose veins Standing/sitting
Haemorrhoids Working in hot conditions
Frequent visits to toilet Difficulty in leaving job/site of work
Increasing size
Use of protective clothing
Work in confined areas
Manual handling
Tiredness Overtime
Evening work
Balance Problems of working on slippery,
wet surfaces
Comfort Problems of working in tightly
fitting work uniforms
5.5. Communication and Consultation
(a) As highlighted earlier, the employee should be fully involved in the risk assessment
process to ensure that any actions that are identified are practical for her situation.
(b) Following completion of the risk assessment, ensure that you sit with the employee
and go through all the issues that have been identified and discuss what actions can
be taken to ensure her safety and the safety of her new or unborn child.
(c) There will also be a need to communicate the results of the risk assessment to other
employees to ensure that they are aware of any changes that have been identified
and their role within this.
5.6. Risk Assessment Review
(a) As with any risk assessment, it must be viewed as a live document and reviewed on a
regular basis.
(b) Under the requirements of
ADOSH-SF CoP 9.1 – New and Expectant Mothers, reviews
of the risk assessment shall be undertaken as a minimum:
(i) when notified of a new, expectant, or breastfeeding mother;
(ii) 24 weeks of pregnancy;
(iii) 34 weeks of pregnancy;
(iv) when returning to work after birth; and
(v) anytime there is a change to the new, expectant or breastfeeding mother’s
health, medication and/or the working environment.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 23 of 32
(c) The reviews that take place need to be documented and attached to the original
assessment.
(d) Part of the review process is to examine the original risk assessment and control
measures that were put in place and assess that they are still suitable.
(e) Consideration must be given to the stage of the pregnancy and how that will affect
the person.
(f) The pregnant worker must also ensure that the reviews are used to communicate any
other issues that may arise, however this information must not be held back for a
review, it should be raised immediately.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 24 of 32
6. Return to Work
(a) The timing of the return to work is particularly important where the pregnancy and/or
birth have been medically complicated, including birth by caesarean section. Generally,
after a normal pregnancy and childbirth, there are no medical contraindications for a
return to work after a period of 6 weeks. The date of return is usually dictated by
social and economic considerations.
(b) As part of ensuring a safe return to work for the employee, a number of issues need
to be considered. Prior to the return to work, it is good practice to meet with the
employee to ascertain if there are any issues that may affect her return to work.
During this meeting, also understand any concerns the employee may have and any
special conditions that may be required to ensure a safe rerun to work.
(c) Where any issues have been raised, it may require additional information from a
medical practitioner to help ensure the safety of the employee.
(d) The employer should also ensure that risk assessments are reviewed to include any
special conditions that may be required as part of the employees return to work.
(e) Depending on the timescales that the employee has been absent from work, there
may also be a need to undertake some refresher training.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 25 of 32
7. Breastfeeding in the workplace
(a) There are other risks to consider for workers who are breastfeeding. For example,
organic mercury can be transferred from blood to milk causing a potential risk to the
newborn baby if the mother is highly exposed before and during pregnancy.
(b) The employer will need to ensure, following written notification that an employee is
breastfeeding, that she is not exposed to risks that could damage her safety and
health and that of her child for as long as she continues to breastfeed.
ADOSH-SF –
Cop 9.1 – New and Expectant Mothers does not put a time limit on breastfeeding as
this is individual to each new mother.
(c) It is good practice to provide a healthy and safe environment for nursing mothers to
express and store milk. These facilities could be included in the suitable resting
facilities you must provide for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Where employees
continue to breastfeed for many months after birth, the employer should review the
risks regularly. Where risk have been identified, continue to implement control
measures identified through risk assessment to avoid exposure to risk for as long as
it threatens the safety and health of the breastfeeding employee and her child.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 26 of 32
8. References
•
Guidelines for Health and Safety. New and Expectant Mothers at work.
Occupational Safety and Health Service. Department of Labour. 1998. New
Zealand. http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/mothers.pdf
•
New and Expectant Mothers at Work – A guide for Employers. HSE Books ISBN 978
0 7176 2583 3

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 27 of 32
9. Document Amendment Record
Version Revision Date Description of Amendment Page/s Affected
4.0 15th July 2024
System acronym updated from OSHAD-
SF to ADOSH-SF to accurately reflect
document title
ThroughoutChange from OSHAD to ADPHC
Change of Logo
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements.

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 28 of 32
Appendix 1 – Risk Assessment Template
Name Job Title Employee Number
Hours of Work
Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Total
Personal Information: Expectant Mothers
Was written confirmation of the pregnancy
received
Expected date of leaving
Expected date of delivery
Number of weeks pregnant?
Personal Information: Mothers Returning to Work
Date of delivery
Date of return to work
Breast feeding Yes  No 
Medical Information
Current medical conditions Medication
Previous Medical Conditions Medication

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 29 of 32
Obstetric Information
Have you had pregnancy problems in the
past? Yes  No 
If yes, please provide details:
Task risk assessments
Was a risk identified from the normal working risk
assessments? Yes  No 
If yes please give details:
Specific Risks Yes No
Repeated strenuous movement such as bending, stretching, twisting or
lifting  
Awkward movements, posture or work in confined spaces  
Prolonged standing for periods of longer than 3 hours without a break or
5 hours in total  
Excessive fatigue from long hours / excessive travel  
Excessive travel.  
Excessive noise  
Any hazardous chemical agents or processes  
Excessive stress  

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 30 of 32
If Yes provide details below:
Personal Factors Yes No
Has the colleague experienced any particular problems with any aspects
of her work since the start of her pregnancy  
Has she raised concerns over work with her GP  
Is she finding it difficult to cope with the full range of tasks  
Would she find it difficult to evacuate the building in an emergency  
If yes, please provide details:
Hazards Identified
Hazard Control Measures Review Date /
Owner

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New and Expectant Mothers – A guide for Employers
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 31 of 32
Review
Please agree set review dates for the risk assessment. As the pregnancy advances, these
should become more regular.
Date Location Attendees
Signatures
Note to colleague: if there is any significant change to this information, or you have any
concerns over your health, the health of your baby or your performance at work, you should
discuss that with you HR manager immediately.
Signature of Colleague
Date
Signature of Assessor
Date