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Expectant and Nursing Mothers
Expectant and nursing mothers might be at risk from processes, working conditions or physical,
biological and chemical agents and these risks will vary depending on the health, and at different
stages of pregnancy.
Some of the more common risks might be
• lifting/carrying heavy loads.
• standing or sitting still for long lengths of time.
• exposure to infectious diseases
• exposure to lead.
• exposure to toxic chemicals.
• work-related stress.
• workstations and posture.
• exposure to radioactive material.
• threat of violence in the workplace.
• long working hours.
• excessively noisy workplaces.
The regulations require that employer must carry out a risk assessment for any specific risks to
female employees of childbearing women, and new or expectant mothers and their baby.
If the risk assessment identifies risks which cannot be controlled, then the employer must alter
her working conditions or hours of work.
If hours of work and working conditions cannot be changed and risk remains then it may be
necessary to suspend her from work on paid leave for as long as necessary, to protect her
health and safety and that of her child.
Disabled Worker
People with physical disability are at greater risk in the workplace. For example, a worker with
hearing disability can perform x-ray screening of cargos at the cargo terminal but finds difficult
to hear emergency alarm in the event of an emergency, especially when he is a lone worker. In
such cases he needs assistance from his co-workers to alert them on the fire alarm, as well as to
evacuate the building safely.
Workers need to inform the employer about their disability which could affect their job.
Informing employer, they are disabled means an employer can make changes to make work
safer.
Remember to consider the needs of disabled workers as part of the assessment. Speak to the
disabled person about any changes that could be helpful.
ENSIGN| Unit IG1 – Element 3 – Managing Risks – Understanding People and Processes 42
