Pregnancy in the Lab

 

 

image of pregnant woman

 

 

Steps for Supervisor


As a supervisor, you should be aware of your responsibility to protect workers in your lab who are pregnant. 

  • Reproductive Health: Information from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is available on reproductive health and the workplace.
  • Safety Net #54 - Pregnancy and the University Workplace

Here are some ways you can be proactive:

  • Identify reproductive hazards in the lab.
  • Know that there can be potential risks for chemical, radiological, physical and biological hazards for pregnant women.
  • Have lab personnel read SDS and document they have been read.
  • Encourage your lab personnel to let you know as soon as they become pregnant (but you cannot require them to report reproductive status).

When you learn of a pregnancy (declared), you should do the following:

  • Contact EH&S
  • Meet with the employee to discuss fetal health concerns and document the discussions.
  • Encourage pregnant employees to discuss work risks with their physicians and obtain documentation for any necessary accommodations.
  • Establish reasonable work practices, including providing appropriate PPE. 
  • Consult administration to assure you are complying with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if applicable.

More information on pregnancy in the workplace:

  • Safety Net #107 -Pregnancy and Reproductive Hazards in the Workplace: Physical and Biological Hazards
  • Safety Net #108- Pregnancy and Reproductive Hazards in the Workplace: Chemical and Radiological Hazards