HSE press release E104:03 - 24 June 2003
A new website to help protect new and expectant mothers' health and safety at work, has today been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
A variety of HSE guidance including the new Mum's the Word internet poster, A guide for new and expectant mothers who work, and New and Expectant Mothers at Work - A guide for health professionals, are available on the website at www.hse.gov.uk/mothers
The website draws together HSE's advice on protecting the health and safety on new and expectant mothers at work.
Being pregnant or a new mother does not prevent women from working and developing their careers. Every year around 350,000 women continue to work during their pregnancy and of these 69% return to work soon after giving birth. Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their female employees from hazards and risks in the workplace and to assess risks to new and expectant mothers.
The term 'new and expectant mothers' covers women who are pregnant, have given birth in the last six months or are breastfeeding. For more information about this issue see HSE press releases: E226:02 HSE spells out how employers should help pregnant women, and E043:03 New guidance to help pregnant women at work.
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