Healthy Pregnancy In The Workplace - Be Aware of Workplace Hazards

Women in their reproductive years currently make up almost half of our workforce. Eight out of ten women will become pregnant during their working life.

Workplaces play an important role in healthy pregnancy outcomes. Work itself does not increase the risk of having an unhealthy baby, but planning ahead can reduce some risks.

Exposure to risks such as heavy lifting, standing for long periods of time, heavy metals and toxic chemicals, and excessive noise/heat may result in a baby being born too soon or too small. Exposure to certain chemicals can result in birth defects.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has begun to implement a pregnancy friendly workplace strategy aimed initially at large workplaces in the area. The objective of this activity is to increase awareness of risk factors at work relating to pregnancy.