Risk Assessment and Management

It is important for you to have a risk assessment as soon as possible after you have notified your colleagues that you are pregnant and no later than three weeks after notification.

It is essential to consider all the risks and identify mitigating actions. There are risks which will be applicable to all staff but some which are especially relevant to T&O and these need to be considered appropriately.

All trusts should have a designated person with appropriate clinical experience to undertake a risk assessment and your trust should have documentation to facilitate and record the assessment.

During risk assessment specific consideration should be given to:

• Physical demands (moving and handling, on call shifts and long  durations of standing).
• Specific hazards (radiation, cement, iodine, high risk cases such a blood borne infections).
• General conditions (lone operating, OOH operating/on calls, adequate rest).
• Mental demands of the job.

If the risk cannot be removed then your department must either:

• Adjust your working conditions or hours.
• Offer you suitable alternative work (on same pay).
• Provide paid leave.

A copy of the formal risk assessment must be returned to your Lead Employer HR Department and any potential or significant changes to working practices highlighted.

If you change host trust during pregnancy then you will need a further risk assessment.

If you are sick the normal provisions apply up to when you start maternity leave. If you become ill with a pregnancy-related illness during the last four weeks before the EWC then your maternity leave will normally start early [NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook | NHS Employers].