Posted By Debbie S 5 years after starting the job and doing endless Risk Assessments on heavy goods vehicles and forklift truck operations I finally have the pleasure of carrying out a pregnant person risk assessment (lady in question has advised that she is 12 weeks into her pregnancy) She is a desk based job, inputting data onto screen and a bit of filing. Can anyone give me some advise on the areas that I need to look at, other then heavy lifting, stretching, heat in office, rest area (although she hasn't had morning sickness yet!!)comfortable seating (although this is covered in her DSE Assessment) Any advise much appreciated.

Posted By Alison WR Pregnancy slackens the ligaments, so increasing the load on muscles. Tissue swelling increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Size of bump gradually forces body away from desk, so increasing static load in shoulders. Bump reduces support provided by abdominal muscles, so allowing lumbar spine to sag forward - with head and shoulders tending to follow. Legs swell - so often need footrest. Bump pulls spine forward, so often need increased lumbar support. If she gains a lot of weight, she may sit slightly higher [padding on rump]. Manual handling - significantly reduced capacity as bump increases - holding load away from body, reduced mobility and increased vulnerability of joints. In third trimester, women can become very tired - we allow them to have a lie down [as they wish] in the recovery room. If she commutes by public transport, can be useful to be able to travel out of rush hour since people are less good at giving up a seat. Post-pregnancy, soggy abdominal muscles plus round shoulders induced by carrying baby around aggravate poor seated posture. At home post-pregnancy, increased manual handling risks getting baby in and out of car, and in and out of cot, etc, and of standing holding baby on one hip. All worse if already have a toddler. Regards Alison