A “new or expectant mother” is an employee who is pregnant, who has given birth within the previous six months, or who is breast-feeding. An employee is expected to notify her employer in writing that she falls into the definition, but there is no statutory obligation for her to do so. Until such time as notification has been received, departments are not required to take action.
University safety policy requires departments to make a risk assessment for the work of new and expectant mothers. It is recommended that health and safety queries from Departments are addressed in the first instance either to their Departmental Safety Officer, or to the Area Safety Officer or to the Safety Office. The Occupational Health Service can assist with health queries about pregnancy and work, and breast-feeding and work.
