Rank: Guest 
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One of our ladies is approximately 12 weeks pregnant, we have carried out a risk assessment and have set up a buddy system for evauating the building, so everything we need to do is in place.
unfortunately she is refusing to cooperate with using the evacuation chair provided, and i dont want to put her buddy's at risk, she is already suffering with sciatica and has trouble using the stairs.
My boss wants to put her on maternity leave as it is a pregnancy related illness, but as she has 6 months till the baby is born, she is reluctant to take up his offer as she would have less time with the baby when it is born.
Any Suggestions??
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi
I wouldn't use the evac chair pregnant or otherwise! It's like being launched off a cliff in a wheelbarrow.
I would happily wait till the corridors clear and bum shuffle down the stairs in the event of an emergency. If that fits in with your evacuation times, then see what your lady thinks to that.
Regards
Linda
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Rank: Super forum user 
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If I was 12 weeks pregnant I also would not want to be carried downstairs on an Evac chair.
Take care here as you appear to be taking the ladies rights away from her.
Did she take part in the risk assessment? if so did she agree with the plan? If not why was she not involved? If she did at first then review the assessment with her involvement.
You cannot force anyone to take maternity leave.
Light duties would be the best plan, is it possible for her to work on the ground floor, or nearer to the entrance/exit?
Is there another location she could work from?
Without knowing the full scenario it is difficult to come up with the right answer/s, take care of her and good luck.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Sean
Chris is absolutely right, you cannot force her to go on maternity leave. You cannot force her to use the evac chair, as that would be technically assault(I know that you are not going to, just making the point).
Is the person ambulant? If so, why are you contemplating an evac chair? If she is not ambulant, is she still able to carry out her role due to the pregnancy and any complications? I do not have the full story but if she is not able to carry out her role there is the option to suspend her on full pay:
http://www.emplaw.co.uk/...tpage=data/09400603.htm.
But again, I do not have the full story. Just make sure that your boss does not try to 'put her on maternity' as I imagine a robust sexual discrimination case pending if your boss does this.
Get HR advice now!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I have to say that I tend to agree with much of the above. Why are you suggesting the use of an evac chair? Unless you have a compelling reason then I suggest you revisit the assessment and look at alternatives, such as can she make her own way. Hey, sometimes we have to eat that humble pie - I know I have. I have never contemplated an evac chair in any of my maternity assessments, although in fairness we are not 'high rise'.
Maternity leave, no, suspension on full pay, possiibly, but frankly I am not sure that I see the need.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Agree with the above, she is pregnant not disabled. Revisit the R/A with her and let her be part of the process, reveiw the assessment from time to time and ask her to let you know if there are changes as the pregnancy gets further along. This is sometimes were we get stuck we are more concerned about looking at how we can protect that we forget to involve others.
unless ther is a reason she can no longer walk down the stairs forget the evac chair. Why do you need a buddy system with a pregnant worker?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Sean
Reading your post I am not sure whether or not the sciatica is related to the pregnancy. Depending on how slow she is when using the stairs it still might be quicker than using the evacuation chair taking into account setting the chair up and getting her into it. Are the stairs a protected route which will give you a bit more time for the evacaution?
Why is she refusing to use the chair? Has she actually tried it - it can look daunting at first so she might just need coaxing a bit. Although depending on the severity of the sciatica she may be in a lot of pain when in the chair.
As the pregnacy progresses you might find that the belt of the chair will create problems assuming it will be big enough to go around her.
As others have said you cannot enforce maternity leave but you must suspend her on full pay if the pregnancy risk assessment indicates that she cannot avoid the risk of being harmed.
John C
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Rank: Guest
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All
i totally agree with all your replies, there is no mistreatment of any staff members and the lady in question is being well taken care off.
Thank you all
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