Posted By Paul Leadbetter Frank As HSG 122 is a priced publication, I do not think that it will be available on the web Paul Leadbetter

Posted By Ashley Williams If you give me a bell we have all three at work and can offer you any information or help for free. Keighley Worksafes Number is 01535 664462. Ashley

Posted By Frank Barry Paul,Nick,Ashley and Robert many thanks for your help I will be in touch and let you know how I progress.

Posted By Frank Barry Point taken Brian. I wonder how the Irish Regs. cover that requirement?. I will find out to-morrow and be in touch. regards. Frank

Posted By andrew cowley I have recently performed a risk assessment on a pregnant woman. One of the things you must consider are the biological changes that occur during pregnancy. One of the least known are the changes in hormones. Some of the hormones released cause muscle relaxation, and these are to help the abdominal cavity stretch whilst the foetus is growing. One of the side effects of these muscle relaxants is that they relax the muscles in the back, with the result of there being very little support for the muscles in the lower back, exposing the woman to a high possibility of back strain. They also cause sphincter muscles to relax causing frequency of urine, heartburn, haemorrhoids etc. Due to the baby using up oxygen and the reduced capacity in the intra-abdominal cavity, there is less space for the lungs to inflate, so there is less air taken in with each breath. This causes tiredness, and sometimes breathlessness. Also, if the woman is to do any lifting, one of the first thing people normally do is take a deep breath and hold it during the lift. This is very bad for the foetus, as this also increases the intra-abdominal pressure. Under no circumstances should pregnant women be allowed to lift heavy objects. Due to the baby pressing on veins in the abdominal cavity, the venous pressure in the legs is increased causing varocose veins and swollen ankles. Pregnant women should be allowed to walk around whenever they feel it necessary (they should be asked to wear flat sensible shoes), and should be allowed to put their feet up, or even lie down if they want. I hope this helps you a little in your risk assessment. Andy Cowley Goodyear (GB)

Posted By Nick Higginson Dianne, Apologies for being a pedant, I know some people take great pleasure in it. It is the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regs 1992 that require rest facilities for pregnant women. THought I'd better point it ou in case anyone couldn't find it. Feel free to find fault with everything I do, it'll just be like having 2 wives. Regards, Nick

Posted By Frank Barry Brian,Andrew and Diane Thanks for your comments. regards Frank

Posted By Peter Rees Following on from the excellent advice given by Andy Cowley don't forget two further points:- 1. The softening of the tendons etc that Andy described affects all areas of the body, and not just the lower back or pelvis. I know this from experiences that my wide had when she was pregnant - she spent over 6 months on crutches as her pelvis split and had other problems with knees, ankles and wrists(all at the age of 26!). Because of this, include into any risk assessment any type of manual handling (twisting, stooping, repetitive etc). It isn't just a heavy load that can cause problems. 2. Pregnant women also includes women who may be breast feeding, or up to and including a period of 6 months after finishing breast feeding. This is again due to the hormonal imbalance caused by the milk production, and thus any risk assessment must take into account this period of time after the mother returns to work.

Posted By Mark Thompson Sarah, i read your response with great interest, i do not have access to an occ Health Nurse and i realise that i have some what been remiss in this area. I would be greatful if you could supply any information on this subject. I have read the Hse booklet but as i do not have the expertise in this area i am not sure were to start Many thanks for any help you give in advance. Mark Thompson mthompson@qbe-london.com

Posted By Brad Bradley Sarah, I would also appreciate anything you have on the subject. Would it be possible to ring me on 02380 662275, so i can give you my works E-Mail. Many thanks, Brad.