An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a new and expectant mother risk assessment is
A new and expectant mother risk assessment reviews a worker’s tasks and conditions to identify anything that could pose a particular risk during pregnancy, after birth or while breastfeeding — such as certain substances, manual handling, posture, long hours or stress — and records the adjustments made.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their assessment must cover.
Purpose
- Identify workplace risks that could affect the worker or her child.
- Consider substances, handling, posture, hours and other factors.
- Record the adjustments, alternative work or other measures agreed.
- Support the worker safely through pregnancy and return to work.
Who completes it
- A competent person appointed by the employer, with the worker’s involvement.
- In a sensitive, confidential way that respects the individual.
- Reviewed within the organisation’s own process as the situation changes.
- It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the assessor is competent.
When it is used
- When the worker notifies the employer of her situation.
- As the pregnancy progresses and needs change.
- After the return to work and while breastfeeding, where relevant.
- When the role, tasks or conditions change.
Typical fields
- Role and tasks, considered with the worker.
- Risks of particular concern at this stage.
- Adjustments to tasks, hours, posture or environment.
- Any alternative work or other measures agreed.
- Review points and a confidential record, and review date.
- Example fields only — adapt to the individual and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Treating it as a one-off rather than reviewing as needs change.
- Overlooking risks such as fatigue, posture or stress.
- Not involving the worker or handling it insensitively.
- Failing to act on the adjustments that were agreed.
Document workflow
This assessment sits within the wider risk assessment and informs adjustments to the safe system of work, alternative duties and any occupational health input. It is reviewed as the situation changes and after the return to work; it is kept confidentially.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with this assessment.
Retention (high level)
These assessments concern an individual and are generally kept confidentially for as long as they are relevant and for a period afterwards, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
These assessments are commonly completed and stored as confidential PDFs alongside the worker’s records. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the assessment official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Act promptly and sensitively once notified.
- Involve the worker and consider the full range of risks.
- Make and follow through on the adjustments agreed.
- Review as the situation changes and protect personal data.
Worker notes
- Let your employer know so adjustments can be considered.
- Share any concerns about tasks or conditions.
- Tell your employer if your needs change over time.
Country considerations
Protections for pregnant and new mothers and the duties on employers vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a document is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for assessing and managing risks to new and expectant mothers and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your assessment must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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