What are an employer's obligations during an employee's pregnancy regarding health and safety?
If you're pregnant and working in Spain, your employer has legal obligations to protect your health and safety at work. These responsibilities are set out in Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks and Royal Decree 298/2009, which specifically covers maternity protection in the workplace.
Once you inform your employer that you’re pregnant, the company must take the following steps:
- Review the risk assessment for your specific job
- Check for any tasks, conditions or environments that could pose a risk during pregnancy
- Adjust your working conditions or tasks if needed, to remove or reduce those risks
In addition to this, your employer must offer you a pregnancy-specific health check. This health check is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend it. It helps ensure your work environment is safe and supports any adjustments that may be needed for your well-being and your baby’s health.
For team members based in Spain, we recommend sharing your pregnancy status by your 6th month, so there’s enough time to arrange the required risk assessment and health check.
See also:
- Maternity Leave Spain: How does maternity leave and pay work in Spain?
- Paternity Leave Spain: How does paternity leave and pay work in Spain?
Disclaimer: Please be advised that the information provided is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Clients are strongly encouraged to contact Remote’s Occupational Health and Safety Team for expert guidance and assistance in navigating the intricate landscape of employee Mandatory Health Checks and Mandatory training requirements. Consulting with our Lifecycle Occupational Health and Safety Team is imperative to ensure compliance with local employment standards legislation. Your proactive engagement with our Occupational Health and Safety Team is vital to making informed decisions and adhering to all relevant regulations.
