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ARTICLE · 10 FEBRUARY 2010

Risk Assessment For Pregnant Workers

Ashby Cohen Solicitors Ltd
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The recent case of O’Neill v Buckinghamshire County Council has brought up some interesting issues regarding pregnancy and health and safety at work.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Alain Cohen
Alain Cohen

The recent case of O'Neill v Buckinghamshire County Council has brought up some interesting issues regarding pregnancy and health and safety at work.

Ms O'Neill was a primary school teacher who was faced with disciplinary proceedings at work. During the proceedings she informed her school that she was pregnant. The disciplinary process was delayed due to a period of sick leave taken by Ms O'Neill and then her maternity leave (http://www.ashbycohen.co.uk/maternity-leave-rights.html) .

Eventually, Ms O'Neill resigned, claiming constructive dismissal and sex discrimination related to her pregnancy. The discrimination claim centred around the fact that the school did not perform a health and safety risk assessment after she had notified them that she was pregnant.

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