Posted By Bill Morrison1 We currently carry out maternity risk assessments using a basic risk assessment template, highlighting risk areas and any follow up action required. We also give information to the employee about managing maternity while at work, and our responsibilities as employers The question has been raised, whether maternity risk assessments should be carried out by medically trained staff or occupational health services for example. Any suggestions as to how other manage this issue would be appreciated. Many Thanks

Posted By Kinnikin We are lucky enough to have an Occupational Health Nurse and a Occ' Physician resource. Even then the information is only part of the risk assessment. The RA is done as a team including the medical staff, the H and S Mgr, the Line Mgr and the expectant mother. Once the RA is done the expectant mother is seen regularly by the Occ Health Nurse (in between the mothers normal antenatal clinics) to further assess her condition. When necessary the team meet up again to reassess. This seems to give a holistic and rounded approach with everyone in the know. Kinnikin

Posted By Ken Taylor It's a job for competent management taking account of the HSE and other published guidance. It's not usually the worker's pregnancy that's being assessed but whether the job presents known risks to a declared pregnant or nursing woman. In the event of health-related person-specific issues arising I would resort to the medical advisers.