Your normal work conditions, that perhaps may not have posed any health concerns before, could now be potentially hazardous to you and your unborn baby. You may need to take some preventative action to ensure your own, and your baby’s safety. If you answer “yes” to any of the following points you should speak to your employer about changing the nature or location of your work.
Your workplace hazard checklist
Does your job expose you to any of the following?
- Toxic chemicals or gases
- Radiation
- Infectious diseases
- Animals and their faeces
- Extreme physical activity and heavy lifting
- Toxic waste
- Smoke from other people smoking cigarettes
- Uncomfortable levels of stress or anxiety.
Your rights to workplace safety during pregnancy
If you are pregnant and suspect your workplace may be not be safe for you or your unborn baby then under the Health and Safety in Employment Act you are entitled to move to an appropriate safe job. You may be required to provide a medical certificate to your employer explaining the workplace hazard and the period you (or your unborn baby) will be at risk.
If you are transferred to a safe job you are entitled to be employed under the same terms and conditions at the same rate of pay.
In some circumstances, if you are unable to fulfil your duties adequately or safely and there is no safe job to transfer to, you may be able to commence your leave early under the orders of your maternity care provider.
Worksafe New Zealand states that every employee has the right to a safe workplace. If you are concerned about any safety aspect of your job whilst you are pregnant you have the right to be transferred to a safe job. Go to the Worksafe website or call them on 0800 030 040.
For more information see Pregnancy.
Updated May 2019
Last Published* March, 2023
*Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since.
