Schedule 1 Physical Hazards

Hazard What is the Risk How to avoid the Risk
Vibration and mechanical shocks Long-term exposure to vibrations may increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Exposure to shocks or whole body vibrations in the later stages of pregnancy can result in premature labour. It is advised that pregnant workers and those that have recently given birth avoid work that is likely to involve uncomfortable, whole body vibrations, especially at low frequencies, or where the abdomen is exposed to shocks or jolts.
Extreme heat The exposure of pregnant and breast-feeding employees to extreme heat may lead to dizziness and faintness, particularly in the case of women performing standing work. Lactation may be impaired by heat dehydration. Employers should limit the exposure of pregnant and breast-feeding workers to extreme heal. Arrangements for access to rest facilities and refreshments should be made in conditions of extreme heat.
Extreme cold Work in extremely cold conditions such as cold storage rooms has been associated with problems in pregnancy. Employees must be supplied with thermal protective clothing and their exposure to cold limited in terms of regulation 2 of the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Noise Prolonged exposure to noise can elevate the blood pressure of pregnant women and lead to tiredness. Employers should ensure compliance with regulation 7 of the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, OHSA.
Ionising radiation Significant exposure to ionising radiation is known to be harmful to the foetus. Working with radioactive liquids or dusts can result in exposure of the foetus (through ingestion or via contamination of the mother's skin) or a breast-fed baby to ionising radiation.

Work procedures should be designed to keep exposure of pregnant women as low as reasonably practicable and below the statutory dose limit for a pregnant woman.

Pregnant women or breast-feeding mothers should not work where there is a risk of radioactive contamination.

Employers of registered radiation workers, including radiographers, must comply with the regulations controlling the use of electronic products issued under the Nuclear Energy Act 131 of 1993.
Non-ionising (electromagnetic) radiation It has not been established that the levels of non-ionising electromagnetic radiation likely to be generated by video display units (VDU's) or other office equipment constitutes a risk to human reproductive health.

Women who are pregnant or who are planning children and are worried about working with VDU's should discuss their concerns with an occupational health practitioner.

The following practical measures can be adopted to limit exposure to electromagnetic fields in offices (emfs):

  • Workers should sit at arm's length from the computer (70 cm) and about 120 cm from the backs and sides of co-workers' monitors.
  • Workers should have regular breaks from VDU work, as this reduces exposure lime.
  • Radiation-reducing glare screens (or shields) can reduce the electrical component of the emfs. However, shields that distort the image on the monitor should not be used.
Work in compressed air and diving People who work in compressed air are at risk of developing the bends. It is not clear whether pregnant women are more at risk of getting the bends but potentially the foetus could be seriously harmed by :as bubbles. Pregnant workers should not work in compressed air because of potential harm to the foetus from gas bubbles. For those who have recently given birth there is a small increase in the risk of the bends. The Diving Regulations, 1991, under OHSA, must be complied with.

Schedule 2 Ergonomic Hazards

Hazard What is the Risk How to avoid the Risk Physical and mental strain Excessive physical or mental pressure may cause stress and give rise to anxiety and raised blood pressure during pregnancy. Employees should ensure that hours of work and the volume and pacing of work are not excessive and that, where practical, employees have some measure of control over how their work is organised. Seating should be available where appropriate. Longer or more frequent rest breaks will help to avoid or reduce fatigue. Physically strenuous work Employees whose work is physically strenuous should b considered to be at increased risk of injury when pregnant or after the birth of a child. Heavy physical exertion, including the lifting or handling of heavy loads, should be avoided from early pregnancy onwards. Prolonged sitting or standing Sitting or standing for long periods during pregnancy can have serious health consequences. Standing for long unbroken periods can result in complications during pregnancy such as deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, premature labour and even miscarriage. Workstations should be adjustable to allow for necessary changes in posture. Pregnant employees who sit for long periods should be provided with a proper chair with lumbar support rest to prevent lower back pain. A footrest could alleviate pain and discomfort in the case of both sitting and standing workers. Pregnant employees who work in a stationary position should be given frequent rest breaks. Mobility during breaks should be encouraged to help prevent swelling of the ankles and improve blood circulation. Where work organisation permits task rotation, this should be done to allow the worker to do tasks that involve standing, sitting and moving. Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child

Schedule 3 Chemical Hazards

Hazard What is the Risk How to avoid the Risk Anaesthetic gases Exposure to anaesthetic gases during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage. Exposure to high concentrations of anaesthetic gases should be avoided during pregnancy. Carbon Monoxide Risks arise when engines or appliances using petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas are operated in enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide can result in the foetus being starved of oxygen. Occupational exposure to carbon monoxide should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Antimitotic (Cytotoxic) drugs Exposure to antimitotic drugs. which are used for treating cancer, damages genetic information in human sperm and egg cells. Some of these drugs can cause cancer. Absorption is by inhalation or through the skin. Workers involved in the preparation and administration of antimitotic drugs should be afforded maximum protection Direct skin contact can be avoided by wearing suitable gloves and gowns. Pregnant employees potentially exposed to cancer drugs should be offered the option of transfer to other duties. Ethylene oxide Ethylene oxide is used mainly in sterilising procedures in hospital. Exposure may occur when sterilised goods are transferred to the aerator after the cycle is complete and when changing the gas tanks. Health risks can be minimised by reducing worker exposure during transfer when the steriliser door is opened. Pregnant employees exposed to ethylene oxide above the acceptable level should be transferred to other duties. Lead Exposure of pregnant and breast-feeding employees to lead affects the nervous system of young children and is detrimental to child development. Contact with lead should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding. The Lead Regulations issued under OHSA must be complied with. These Regulations specify, levels at which employees must be withdrawn from exposure to lead. Mercury and mercury derivatives Organic and inorganic mercury compounds can have adverse effects on the mother and foetus. Women of childbearing age should not be exposed to mercury compounds. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) PCBs can cause deformities in the child. Maternal exposure before conception can also affect foetal development as PCBs can be passed on to the foetus through the mother's blood. No pregnant women should be exposed to PCBs at work. Organic solvents Exposure to organic solvents including aliphatic hydrocarbons, toluene and tetrachloroethylene can lead to miscarriage and have a detrimental effect on the foetus. Pregnant women should be protected to exposure against these organic solvents. Pesticides and herbicides Exposure to certain pesticides and herbicides is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and can adversely affect the development of the child. Exposure to pesticides and herbicides should be avoided or minimised. Alcohol Foetal alcohol syndrome can lead to physical and mental abnormalities in children. Workers in the beverage, catering and associated industries, including wine farming, are particularly at risk. Where appropriate, employees should be informed of and counselled in the hazards associated with foetal alcohol syndrome. Tobacco smoke Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide and carcinogenic and other harmful substances. Smoking and the inhalation of environmental smoke affects foetal blood supply and can lead to retarded growth and development and more early childhood diseases. Smoking carries an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Care should be taken to ensure that women employees are able to work without being exposed to tobacco smoke

Schedule 4 Biological Hazards

Hazard How to avoid the Risk Cytomegalovirus Employees should be required to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, wash their hands after each patient contact and use gloves when handling potentially contaminated wastes in order to minimise the risk of infection. Hepatitis General precautions must be taken for all forms of hepatitis. Vaccination is the most effective means available of preventing hepatitis B. Workers must take particular care to avoid mucous membranes and skin coming into contact with potentially contaminated blood or other secretions. HIV Universal precaution is important for workers potentially exposed to HIV. Health care workers should take precautions to prevent needle-stick injuries and exercise care when handling the blood, tissues or mucosal areas of all patients. Rubella (German measles) Rubella vaccine is the most effective means of preventing the disease, and susceptible employees should be immunised. Pregnancy should be avoided for 3 months after vaccination. Varicella (Chicken pox) It is advisable to identify employees who have not previously had chicken pox. Pregnant employees who are known not to be immune to chicken pox and who are exposed to an active case should report to a physician. Toxoplasmosis gondii Control measures against toxoplasmosis gondii for women of reproductive age include high standards of personal and environmental hygiene; the sanitary disposal of cat faeces and avoiding contamination by cat faeces of soil to be tilled for agriculture.