Rank: Forum user 
|
Hello,
One of our night nurses has announced she is pregnant. I work at an animal (dog & cat) referral centre. I have done numerous pregnancy risk assessments with day time staff, but wasn't sure if there was anything stating expecting mothers categorically are not supposed to work night shifts? The shift is 10PM to 8AM and the expecting mother will also be alone for 2 nights of her 5 night shift.
Each pregnancy is unique and therefore difficult to predict any problems that may occur etc. My initial thoughts are that she will have to produce a medical certificate stating that working nights could damage her or her unborn child?
Please let me know your thoughts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
This is less about H&S and more about how your organisation treat your staff.
First off, forget her pregnancy and decide if your controls are adequate for lone workers.
Then work from there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
There is no reason why pregnant women cant work nights. In fact some prefer to work nights as there are less pressures, more time to rest and they are less likely to experience morning sickness. It would by up to her GP/ Medical practitioner to provide a letter stating she cannot work nights.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Direct from HSE website: "A new or expectant mother may work nights, provided this presents no risk to her health and safety. However, if a specific work risk has been identified – or her GP / midwife has provided a medical certificate stating she must not work nights – her employer must offer suitable alternative day work, on the same terms and conditions. If that is not possible, the employer must suspend her from work on paid leave for as long as is necessary to protect her health and safety and / or that of her child." (http://www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/faqs.htm)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks,
We have an adequate lone working policy; out of hours contacts, panic alarms, security systems etc. I suppose my main concern is if on one of the nights she was alone and went in to labour early. Maybe address it when she is further along and look at reducing her hours or providing cover?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
mikejman6 wrote:
We have an adequate lone working policy; out of hours contacts, panic alarms, security systems etc. I suppose my main concern is if on one of the nights she was alone and went in to labour early. Maybe address it when she is further along and look at reducing her hours or providing cover?
With all those provisions she is probably considerably safer at work if she goes into labour than if she is at home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks Jane, I suppose when you look at it from that angle you are right. Its so easy to look for faults in the system and ignore the things you are doing right.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.