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Posted By Clare Brass
Hi,
We have a warehouse order picker who has just announced her pregnancy (good news!). She is obviously wary of handling anything,regardless of the weight. How can we put her mind at rest, and still adhere to Health and Safety regulations?
Furthermore, does the recommended weight for manual handling change for pregnant workers?
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Posted By jackw.
Hi, the management regs dictate that you need to do an additional risk assessment for a pregnant worker.. look at her duties and how/if they may cause her or the unborn child any difficulties/ risks. I am not an expert on the medical side of pregnancy..but it is my understanding that manual handling should be avoided in the early stages . "safe load"? you should always try and avoid manual handling or mechanise it..I know that isn't always possible..but i have always felt this safe load idea was spurious although there is a recommended max load..depends on other variables..environment etc.
You may have to offer her lighter duties at least in the early stages..do you have occ health to turn to? if not what is her GP view..remember some women sail through pregnancy some have a difficult time..you must make reasonable adjustments offer her alternatives etc. I suggest you read HSE publication HS(G)122 New and expectant mothers - a guide for employers.
Cheers
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Posted By Alan Nicholls
I expect you know this already but just in case;
Manual handling has significant implications for the health and safety of the pregnant worker and the foetus,particularly if combined with long periods of standing and/or walking. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the ligaments and joints increasing the risk of injury (during the last three months.
Dont forget the risks to the health and safety of the worker and unborn child must be assessed under Management Regs. HSG 122 is a useful guide.
There is no weight for manual handling, it is down to the individuals capability. There are however guidelines for men and women lifting from various positions eg Shoulder height Elbow height Knuckle height Mid lower leg height etc.
It is still up to the individual to decide what he or she can handle safely. I would treat it as an ergonomic assessment and go from there. Hope this helps some.
Alan N
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Posted By MeiP
As the others have said, it's a very individual thing, can change over time. Don't forget to review your assessment with the woman regularly. We review every 4 weeks, unless something else comes up (eg one of ours has been diagnosed with SPD, which means the bones of the pelvis are drifting apart, and pretty much puts a limit on everything, including sitting)
Pregnancy can have a whole raft of other symptoms, eg light headness & later, balance issues, which might affect her work if she needs to go up ladders to pick.
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