Health & Safety to consider when starting a family

Health and Safety for New and Expectant Mothers at Work

New or expectant parents, and their unborn children, can be at additional risk from common work hazards both when trying to conceive and during pregnancy. It is therefore important that specific risk assessments are completed as soon as possible so that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to keep everybody safe.

We understand that this can be difficult to talk about, especially during the earliest stages of pregnancy (or when trying to conceive). Examples of risks to consider can be found in the list below, but individuals with questions are encouraged to speak to Laura Jenkins, June Southall, Gayle Overend, Paul Paterson, or Craig Carr in complete confidence.

Once you are ready to discuss the pregnancy with your line manager (i.e. you wish to notify the University of your pregnancy) risk assessments should be completed and signed off by your PI and/or your building’s safety co-ordinator. Particular attention should be paid to the actual tasks that are performed during work to ensure that any risks associated with these are adequately controlled. The risk assessment should be reviewed at regular periods outlined on the form.

Useful contacts flow chart

 

 

 

  • Health & Safety confidential or non-confidential advice contact
    • Paul Paterson – Convenor of Health & Safety; paul.paterson@glasgow.ac.uk; ext.3924
    • Craig Carr – Deputy Convenor of Health & Safety; craig.carr@glasgow.ac.uk; ext.5081

  •  General confidential or non-confidential advice contact
  • Safety committee, Institute, and building key contacts