4.1.19 Human Reproduction and Pregnancy

1Introduction

Legislation requires employers to assess the risks to health and safety encountered at work and to adopt necessary control measures. This requirement extends to protection of the reproductive system. A re-assessment of the risks will be necessary to protect expectant and new mothers at work and their babies.

2Reproductive System

To date few occupational factors have been proven to disrupt the normal function of the reproductive system, however, little formal investigation has been undertaken. Work practices are subject to change and some employees work in experimental conditions with new agents. It is therefore necessary to consider the effect that exposure at work might have on the health of offspring. Among those agents which evidence suggests have an adverse effect on reproductive health in men, and, or women are lead, ionising radiation, steroidal hormones, insecticides, viruses, bacteria, drugs and chemicals. This is by no means a comprehensive list and the absence of an agent from it does not mean it has been properly assessed and is necessarily 'safe'.

3Notification

Notification of pregnancy enables the employee and her line manager to assess any risks and offer protection through modification of work practices. Since the baby is especially vulnerable during early pregnancy prompt notification to the supervisor, line manager or head of department is desirable. Notification will be treated as strictly confidential and the supervisor must presume that the woman will want to continue to work during pregnancy and that she will want to return after maternity leave. She should be treated in the same way as any other employee with regard to opportunities for career development, training, promotion et cetera, although the work undertaken should be sensitive to her needs during pregnancy.

4The Line Manager / Supervisor

The supervisor must ensure that a thorough reassessment of the risks presented to the pregnant woman is undertaken in consultation with her. The common health and safety risks which should be considered are:

too much travelling, which may lead to tiredness
extreme temperatures
heavy lifting
long working hours, as pregnant women often suffer from fatigue
too much standing (because of varicose veins and haemorrhoids)
early morning duties (particularly if the woman has morning sickness)
nauseating smells
exposure to chemicals or other potentially harmful agents

The supervisor should be prepared to modify working arrangements to offer regular rest periods during the day, the opportunity to sit down regularly where the work involves a lot of standing and to the option of more flexible working (without diminution of her terms and conditions of her employment). This may include shorter working hours or the opportunity to start work slightly later, eg to avoid rush-hour travelling.

5Returning to Work and Lactating Mothers

The supervisor should consult with the employee prior to her returning to work. A suitable return date needs to be agreed and the nature of the work reviewed to take account of the employee’s health and safety. Provision should be made for breast feeding women, such as a suitably secluded place to express, store milk and rest. If such facilities are not available in the immediate working environment, assistance may be sought from the Health, Safety and Environment Unit (HS&E Unit).

Further assistance may be sought on any of the above matters by both supervisors and employees from the HS&E Unit or a University Medical Officer. In the case of an employee not wishing to notify her pregnancy to her supervisor in the first instance, she may seek advice from either the HS&E Unit or a University Medical Officer.

University of Bath Safety ManualPage1 of 2

Section 4.1.19 – Human Reproduction and PregnancyJuly 2003 Version