The TUC and Maternity Action, a charity, have used the launch of a new guide for union representatives to warn of the risks that pregnant women can face at work. The organisations emphasise that many employers fail to meet their legal duties to protect new and expectant mothers. They point to a survey by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) that found 41 % of expectant mothers felt their health or welfare was at risk at work. "We know," said Rosalind Bragg, director of Maternity Action, "from the women who call our advice line that too many employers are failing to take the health and safety of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the workplace seriously." The consequences, she added, are "that many women end up having to choose between risking their own health or that of their baby, going off sick, or leaving their job altogether. Union reps have an important role in holding employers to account and ensuring that pregnant women are protected from workplace hazards." The 12-page publication lists the main issues as: lifting, twisting, sitting and standing; chemicals; infectious diseases; ionising radiation; noise; irregular and long working hours; travelling (the need for toilet facilities and a higher risk of musculoskeletal problems); stress; violence; and heat (heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration).
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