Breastfeeding Support Policy Policy

At Etch, we are committed to supporting breastfeeding employees and ensuring a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment. This policy outlines the responsibilities of both Etch as an employer and employees who are breastfeeding, following best practices.

Providing a Rest Area

Etch will provide a suitable, private, and hygienic rest area for breastfeeding employees. This space will allow for breastfeeding, expressing milk, or resting as needed.

The rest area will not be located in or near toilets, as these are not appropriate for this purpose.

If necessary, the area will be equipped with a place to lie down.

Providing a Place to Store Milk

Etch will provide access to a refrigerator for safe storage of breast milk. Employees are encouraged to label all stored milk with their name and the date it was expressed.

Conducting a Risk Assessment

Once an employee has notified Etch in writing that they are breastfeeding, a risk assessment will be conducted. This assessment will evaluate the employee’s working conditions, hours, and any potential risks to their health and safety related to breastfeeding.

Any adjustments required to protect the health and well-being of the employee will be made promptly.

Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Environment

Etch will ensure the rest area is well-lit, ventilated, and adequately heated.

The area will be regularly cleaned using odourless, food-safe cleaning products.

All surfaces, including walls, floors, and furniture, will be smooth and easy to clean and disinfect to maintain hygiene standards.

Protection from Harassment

Etch strictly prohibits any form of sexual harassment, including harassment related to breastfeeding. Employees who experience or witness such behaviour should report it immediately, and Etch will take swift and appropriate action.

Notifying the Employer

Employees must notify Etch in writing if they are breastfeeding to ensure that appropriate accommodations and risk assessments can be arranged.

Requesting a Private Space

Employees are encouraged to ask Etch to organise a private space for expressing milk or breastfeeding if needed.

Expressing Milk

Employees are encouraged to pump after each breastfeeding session to maintain their supply and create a bottle of milk equal to what the baby has consumed.

Labelling Milk

All expressed milk should be clearly labelled with the employee’s name and the date of collection.

Storing Milk

Employees are responsible for using a personal cool bag to store and transport their milk between work and home.

In this policy, the following terms are defined as follows:

Us/We/Etch

Etch Software Limited

Although this Policy explicitly covers the responsibilities of staff, it does not cover the matter exclusively. Other Etch policies, standards, and procedures define additional responsibilities. All users are required to read, understand and comply with other policies, standards, and procedures. If any staff member does not fully understand anything in these documents, they should consult with the persons listed under responsibilities. The aforementioned persons shall resolve any conflicts arising from this policy.