Law & occupational safety
Does maternity protection apply when working from home?
Yes. German maternity protection law (MuSchG) also applies to telework and home office work. Once a pregnancy is reported, the employer must adapt the risk assessment and review the protective measures needed. For screen work, section 10(2) MuSchG requires the work to be designed so that regular short interruptions or other tasks are possible.
Items to review include sitting duration, breaks, lifting and carrying, and screen work. Ergonomics matter more here: an individually adjustable chair and a height-adjustable desk are often the simplest protective measure.
Document the case-related assessment and the adjustments made – it is a precondition for lawful continued work.
Key points
- MuSchG applies regardless of location, including home offices
- Case-related update of the risk assessment
- Section 10(2) MuSchG: short breaks in screen work
Sources
This page provides professional orientation, not legal or tax advice.
More answers
- What is the difference between home office, telework and mobile work?
- Is a risk assessment mandatory for home office work?
- What fines apply for missing occupational safety in home offices?
- Is an accident in the home office a workplace accident?
- Do employees in Germany have a right to work from home?
- Does the works council co-determine remote work?