Once an employer has been informed in writing by an employee that she is breastfeeding, the employer must carry out a specific risk assessment to ensure that neither the employee nor the child are exposed to risks that could damage either of their health and safety.
There may be particular risks associated with breastfeeding in the workplace to consider.
If risks are identified, the employer must take all reasonably practicable measures to remove, reduce or control the risk. If there are significant risks which cannot be removed, the employer must follow the same three steps outlined above in order to remove the employee from any significant health and safety risk identified. Temporary alterations to the woman’s working conditions might include, for example, giving her breaks to express milk or allowing her to work shorter shifts.
If a woman’s work brings her into contact with dangerous substances, it is a good idea to ask her before she returns to work if she is breastfeeding so that the employer can take the appropriate steps to make the job safe before she returns to work.
Visit the HSE website for more information.
Employers must also provide suitable facilities for a breastfeeding employee to rest. Although not a legal requirement, employers are encouraged to provide a healthy and safe environment for nursing mothers to express and store milk - for more information viist the HSE website (PDF). Toilets are not suitable for this purpose.
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