New and expectant mothers
A protected category comprising employees who are pregnant, have given birth within the previous six months, or are breastfeeding. Employers must carry out a specific risk assessment and take protective measures.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“new and expectant mother”Exact equivalent“Regulations 16 to 18 of MHSWR 1999 require employers to assess risks to new and expectant mothers and to take action if risks are identified, including adjusting working conditions, offering alternative work, or suspending the employee on full pay if no suitable alternative is available.”
Irish HSA
“pregnant or breastfeeding worker”Close equivalentThe Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Pregnant, Post Natal and Breastfeeding Employees) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/446) require employers to assess risks to pregnant workers and to take appropriate protective measures including adjusting work, offering alternative work, or granting health and safety leave.
US OSHA
“pregnant worker”No equivalentNo equivalent in this jurisdiction.
Practitioner note: The specific assessment is triggered by written notification. Review it as the pregnancy progresses, because risks change across trimesters and again after return to work.