§ Baroness Masham of Iltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What bodies can undertake a risk assessment of farm work liable to be undertaken by a pregnant shepherdess who cannot handle ewes and lambs due to risks of infection. [HL2207]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)Where women of childbearing age are employed, it is the responsibility of the employer to assess the risks to new and expectant mothers and to introduce measures to protect their health and safety. Employers and the self-employed also have a responsibility to assess and minimise the risks to those not in their employment, such as members of the public. The self-employed have a similar duty to protect their own health and safety.
The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance to assist employers and publishes an annual news release with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to alert farmers and others to the risks to pregnant women who come into close contact with ewes during lambing periods.