Pregnancy Accommodations
Washington’s workplace pregnancy accommodation law provides protections for employees who have health conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. Pregnant employees may request certain changes to their working environment changes to their working environment to accommodate their pregnancy and health conditions after the birth of the baby, such as the need to breastfeed or express milk.
The following requests will be provided:
- Frequent, longer or flexible restroom breaks;
- Modification of no food or drink policy;
- Seating or allowing employee to sit more frequently; and
- Refraining from lifting more than 17 pounds.
Medical documentation from a health care provider will be required when the following requests are made:
- Job restructuring, including modifying a work schedule, job reassignment, changing a work station, or providing equipment;
- A temporary transfer to a less strenuous or hazardous position;
- Scheduling flexibility for prenatal visits; and
- Any further accommodations needed.
How to request a pregnancy accommodation:
- Notify supervisor or HR
- Fill out Request for Accommodation Form
- Medical documentation may be needed
After receiving the accommodation request, Human Resources, in consultation with the employee’s supervisor, will review the request to see if it can be reasonably accommodated. If the request creates an undue hardship, an alternative accommodation may be recommended or it may be declined.