Pregnant and breastfeeding employees in the work environment – risk assessment and reassignment
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When an employer becomes aware that an employee is pregnant, has recently given birth, or is breastfeeding, an individual risk assessment may need to be carried out quickly. Risks can be greatest early in pregnancy, and it is the actual exposure – nature, degree, and duration – that must be assessed.
Quick overview
- The rules are set out in Chapter 7 of AFS 2023:2 and accompanying appendices.
- The risk assessment must be individual when relevant risk factors are present.
- Noise, vibrations, chemical substances, biological risks, and physical strain may be relevant.
- Measures should primarily eliminate or reduce exposure.
- If a risk-free work environment cannot be provided, other work duties or reassignment may need to be considered.
| Identify | What risk factors are present in the work in question? |
| Exposure | How much, how often, and for how long is the employee exposed? | Remediate | Remove the risk, change methods, schedules, equipment, or organization. |
| Alternative work | Consider other risk-free work tasks if the regular job cannot be performed safely. |
| Follow up | The progression of the pregnancy and working conditions may change the risk profile. |
Conduct the assessment early
The Swedish Work Environment Authority emphasizes that certain risks are most significant early in pregnancy. When known or suspected risk factors exist, the individual assessment should therefore not be delayed.
Exposure is what counts – not just the presence of a source of risk
The mere presence of a machine, chemical, or other factor at the workplace does not automatically mean the work is unsuitable. Assess how the employee is actually exposed and whether existing protective measures are sufficient.
A practical hierarchy of measures
First, the risk should be eliminated if possible, or exposure reduced. If that is not enough, work duties, working hours, or the workplace may need to be changed. If regular work cannot be performed risk-free, the employer needs to consider whether other risk-free work can be offered.
Seek assistance when the assessment requires specialist expertise
In cases of, for example, chemical, medical, or complex physical exposure, occupational health services or occupational and environmental medicine expertise may be needed. Document the basis for the decision and the measures taken.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until late in the pregnancy to conduct the risk assessment.
- Making a general assessment without considering the specific employee's exposure.
- Automatically prohibiting work without first investigating the possibility of reducing the risk.
- Forgetting noise and vibrations in the pregnancy assessment.
- Failing to follow up when work tasks or the circumstances of the pregnancy change.
Frequently asked questions
Must all pregnant employees be reassigned?
No. Reassignment only becomes relevant when risks cannot be managed sufficiently in the regular job and other risk-free work can be offered.
Are vibrations a specific risk?
Yes, vibrations are one of the factors that can pose a specific risk and must be assessed based on actual exposure.
Does the risk assessment need to be individual?
Yes, when relevant risk factors are present, the employer must assess the individual employee's actual exposure and circumstances.
What happens if no risk-free work can be arranged?
This may have consequences under labor and social insurance law, including issues regarding work prohibitions and pregnancy benefits. The specific situation should be handled with the correct documentation.
Risk assessment for pregnant and breastfeeding employees
The template package helps employers document individual assessments, measures, reassignment, and follow-ups.
Sources and further reading
- Swedish Work Environment Authority – Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Swedish Work Environment Authority – AFS 2023:2
Last updated: October 5, 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace a business-specific work environment assessment.
