Module 3: Toxicology - Section 18: Reproductive Health Disorders in the Workplace

TOX 18.7 Reproductive Risk Management

7. RISK MANAGEMENT:

It is very important that the employer, involved employee(s), and medical practitioner work together in resolving a particular situation. Ideally, a general policy on reproductive hazards in the workplace that involves both genders should be developed.

The following actions may be considered for managing the risks of a given reproductive hazard situation:

7.1 Exposure reduction or elimination:

Replacement of hazards with safer agents; improved engineering controls; safer work practices; and personal protective equipment but should not be the primary mode of protection). Exposure reduction or elimination is the most desirable option and should be attempted in all situations involving a reproductive hazard.

7.2 Temporary job transfer:

Remove individual from work environment in which reproductive hazard exists. Problems may occur when there is no location in the work environment that is free of exposure. Thus, this option should be considered when there is a high-risk situation and exposure reduction/elimination is not possible.

7.3 Disability or sick leave:

Temporary pregnancy disability leave must be treated the same as any other medical disability leave. The early embryo sensitivity period has already occurred during potential workplace exposure by the time disability leave is granted.This option should be considered when there is a high-risk situation in which reduction to exposure may not be implemented and a temporary transfer is not possible.

7.4 Remove individual from work:

This is the least-desirable action. It is illegal for an employer to terminate the services of the affected woman because of pregnancy. A woman may choose to leave work for personal reasons, but it is important to help her evaluate all options and to understand the possible consequences. This option is to be considered only when all other options have been explored and the woman is comfortable with the possible consequences.

Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health (DOH) - Modules 3: Occupational Medicine & Toxicology (Basic) by Profs Mohamed Jeebhay and Rodney Ehrlich, Health Sciences UCT is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 South Africa License. Major contributors: Mohamed Jeebhay, Rodney Ehrlich, Jonny Myers, Leslie London, Sophie Kisting, Rajen Naidoo, Saloshni Naidoo. Source available from here. For any updates to the material, or more permissions beyond the scope of this license, please email healthoer@uct.ac.za or visit www.healthedu.uct.ac.za. Last updated Jan 2007.
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