Supporting Expectant Mothers in the Workplace: Why Pregnancy Risk Assessments Matter

Safety Inspectors UK Ltd – This Week in Durham, North East England

This week, Safety Inspectors UK Ltd carried out two comprehensive Pregnancy Risk Assessments for businesses in Durham, North East England, helping employers meet their legal duties and ensure that expectant mothers remain safe, supported, and confident in their roles.

As a retained health and safety consultancy supporting organisations across Durham, Darlington, Newcastle, Sunderland, Teesside and the wider North East, we regularly help employers understand what the law requires, why pregnancy risk assessments are essential, and how they protect both employees and the business.

Why Are Businesses Legally Required to Carry Out Pregnancy Risk Assessments?

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must assess workplace risks for new and expectant mothers as soon as they are notified of a pregnancy, recent childbirth, or breastfeeding.

This includes identifying hazards that may pose additional risk during pregnancy, such as:

• Manual handling

• Lone working

• Prolonged standing or sitting

• Exposure to chemicals (COSHH)

• Stress and workload pressures

• Temperature extremes

• Working hours and fatigue

• Driving and travel

• Emergency arrangements

A pregnancy can significantly change the way everyday workplace activities affect an employee, meaning a standard risk assessment is not enough. Employers must carry out a specific, tailored assessment for the individual.

What Is the Purpose of a Pregnancy Risk Assessment?

A Pregnancy Risk Assessment ensures:

1. Safety

The assessment identifies anything in the workplace that could pose an increased risk to the expectant mother or unborn child—allowing management to take timely, proportionate and reasonable steps to protect them.

2. Support

Pregnancy can affect posture, mobility, fatigue levels, concentration and comfort. A good assessment offers practical adjustments, such as altered duties, rest breaks, seating support, homeworking considerations, and improved communication.

3. Legal Compliance

Failing to undertake a suitable and sufficient pregnancy risk assessment can lead to:

• Breach of health and safety law

• Potential claims of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010

• Damage to business reputation

• Enforcement action

Businesses across the North East of England—from small independent traders to large multi-site organisations—are increasingly recognising the importance of getting this right.

4. Employee Wellbeing and Trust

A thoughtful assessment reassures employees that their employer cares about their health, their baby’s safety, and their long-term wellbeing. This strengthens workplace culture and helps maintain productivity.

How Safety Inspectors UK Ltd Helped Businesses in Durham This Week

Our work in Durham this week involved completing two detailed Pregnancy Risk Assessments, tailored to each employee’s job role and working environment.

We also provided:

• A check-in log for managers, making it easy to maintain ongoing reviews

• Monthly wellbeing check-ins from Safety Inspectors UK Ltd

• Practical, proportionate recommendations for reasonable adjustments

• Guidance on early-stage, mid-stage and late-stage pregnancy considerations

• Advice on stress reduction and workload management

• Documentation ready for HR and compliance records

As always, our focus is on clear communication, supportive guidance, and realistic solutions that genuinely work for both staff and management.

Why Businesses Across Durham and the North East Choose Safety Inspectors UK Ltd

Safety Inspectors UK Ltd is trusted by organisations across:

• Durham

• Newcastle

• Sunderland

• Darlington

• Middlesbrough

• Stockton-on-Tees

• Gateshead

• Throughout the North East

We provide practical, no-nonsense health and safety consultancy, specialising in:

• Pregnancy risk assessments

• Fire risk assessments

• DSE assessments

• Manual handling training

• Workplace compliance

• Retained health and safety support

Our approach is simple:
Clear guidance. Realistic recommendations. Strong compliance.

Need a Pregnancy Risk Assessment for Your Business?

If you have an employee who is pregnant, has recently given birth, or is breastfeeding, you must legally conduct a specific risk assessment.

Safety Inspectors UK Ltd can complete this quickly, professionally, and with tailored support for managers and staff.

📍 Based in the North East of England, supporting businesses across Durham, Darlington, Newcastle, Sunderland, and surrounding areas.

📞 Contact us today to arrange an assessment.