THE COMMISSION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN COMMENTS ON THE REGULATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF MATERNITY AT WORK PLACES

THE COMMISSION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN COMMENTS ON THE REGULATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF MATERNITY AT WORK PLACES

The Commission for the Advancement of Women was very pleased to note the publication of the Protection of Maternity at Work Places Regulations, 2000 in the Government Gazette's supplement of the 23rd May 2000, that shall come into force on the 1st January 2001.

These Regulations provide a thorough definition of the term "female" that includes a pregnant or breastfeeding worker, and a mother. The latter means a worker who has recently given birth to a live or stillborn child. Within this category, no woman shall be required to perform any work which may endanger her physical or mental well-being, the safety or continuation of her pregnancy or the health of her child, as the case may be.

Before assigning work to any "female" in the aforementioned conditions, employers are obliged to assess the nature and degree of any hazard present at the place of work, the anticipated duration of exposure, and the resultant risks to the health and safety of the female concerned, as well as to the safety of her pregnancy or of the child in the case of a breastfeeding worker. Employers are also to assess the risks which may arise from any particular posture, movement or lifting activity or from any chemical, physical or biological agent used at the employer's place of work. Furthermore, employers are obliged to inform the worker about the potential risks she may encounter and about the safety measures which will be used to prevent them.

Following these Regulations pregnant women are also entitled to one week special leave which may be utilised immediately preceding or immediately following the thirteen weeks maternity leave to which pregnant women are entitled. The financial benefits remain the same as those provided for the thirteen weeks maternity leave.

Employers also have the duty to grant two weeks (out of these fourteen weeks) compulsory maternity leave which shall be utilised immediately afterwards or before the birth of the child.

The Commission for the Advancement of Women has always been in the forefront in promoting the well-being and protection of pregnant women at the work place. Besides, the Commission promotes a holistic dimension to health - a concept which encompasses the physical, psychological and social dimensions. By spending more time with each other during the first weeks of life, the mother and child will develop a stronger and healthier bond which will surely pay in the long term. By enhancing and protecting the health of pregnant women, we will be ensuring the health of the forthcoming generations, and consequently the well-being of our future society