What is a Pregnancy Risk Assessment?

A Pregnancy Risk Assessment is carried out to ensure that the workstation and tasks are organised in accordance with Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 2 of Part 6: Protection of Pregnant, Post Natal and Breastfeeding Employees. 

The aim of the pregnancy risk assessment is to ensure the health and wellbeing of the employee and the unborn baby in the workplace. This is achieved by identifying the risks and recommending changes to the environment, tasks or workstation to reduce or eliminate the risk. 

Components of the assessment are:

• Discussion with the employee regarding relevant medical and work history and current role
• Assessment of working environment
• Assessment of current postures at workstation
• Assessment of suitability of current equipment and designated work wear
• Discussion with the employee regarding recommended changes and best ergonomic practice

A report is then issued to the employer detailing risk factors identified and recommendations to reduce or eliminate these risk factors.