Posted By Jan Moore Can anyone help please? I am trying to develop a work policy for the above ladies and am wondering what safety implications there might be (i.e. Health and Safety at Work rather than HR). As one who's been there, done it and got the T shirt (along with a few years worth of HRT),I can't see what I should be looking for ragards these ladies being at special risk whilst at work. If anyone else has developed a similar policy, I would love to hear from you. Kind regards Jan

Posted By RP Er...no

Posted By sagalout Jan, There is an increasing recognition that there are real issues for female employees with regard to the menopause at least. Try the link below and look at section 2 of the report, it covers some thoughts on hazards and risks in this area. Hope this helps http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-6316-f0.cfm

Posted By Jim Walker Can't win! We are constantly being beat over the head with laws requiring that we don't discriminate. Then someone asks this! I've enough trouble trying to communicate to females that we need to know when they are pregnant so as to risk assess. Then there is this thing about not doing a young persons risk assessment................ Sorry I'm crabby, was woken up several times last night by er indoors throwing off the duvet because of hot flushes!!

Posted By Descarte UNISON have some good information and guides on what can be reasonably expected from an employer and employee.

Posted By Jonathan Breeze Interesting question Jan. I wonder if it is policy level stuff though, or rather a consideration to be made at the Risk Assessment stage? Also what about the male 'testosterone surge' that is responsible for blokes thinking they can do the impossible; policy or assessment? Finally would it promote a victim mentality if we went down this route? "It's not my fault, I'm a man/woman?" (delete as appropriate). Sorry I have no answers here - I'm just thinking out aloud and will have to do more research.

Posted By Descarte They also produce an information booklet called "Women's Health and Safety" which includes some info about "The change"

Posted By Jan Moore Thank you all for your replies... I must admit to having a snigger or two!!! I have to admit as well that I found it strange that two guys from GMB felt that menopausal ladies should be likened to pregnant ladies and wanted to include time off for 'hot flushes' which could amount to years (been there, got the T shirt!!). There is a distinct lack of European Legislation relating to us old 'uns and I am not sure I would want any legislation to cover us anyway! I certainly agree with (sorry, forget who said it)the reference to a testosterone rush (blokes going through a mid life crisis buying syrups and trendy gear)and therefore think we should start developing policies for the same otherwise there will be a few claims of sex discrimination!! Where on earth would you draw the line. Anyway, thanks again AND DON'T GET ME STARTED!!!! Kind regards Jan

Posted By Steve Cartwright I once came across a hazard data sheet that highlighted all the risks associated with women, which I thought was funny but true. I would not like to be the one who tries to enforce this policy. GOOD LUCK.