Employers and employees should be aware of the following common aspects of pregnancy that may affect work:
- As a result of morning employees may be unable to perform early shift work. Exposure to nauseating smells may also aggravate morning sickness.
- Backache and varicose veins may result from work involving prolonged standing or sitting. Backache may also result from work involving manual handling.
- More frequent visits to the toilet will require reasonable access to toilet facilities and consideration of the employee's position if leaving the work she performs unattended poses difficulties.
- The employee's increasing size and discomfort may require changes of protective clothing, changes to work in confined spaces and changes to her work where manual handling is involved. Her increasing size may also impair dexterity, agility, co-ordination, speed of movement and reach.
- The employee's balance may be affected making work on slippery or wet surfaces difficult.
- Tiredness associated with pregnancy may affect the employee's ability to work overtime and to perform evening work. The employer may have to consider granting rest periods.