Ergonomic Conditions and Pregnancy: During pregnancy, variation in work is crucial. All pregnancies are different, and what may be perceived as stressful varies with the type of work, work situation, and health factors. Prolonged standing, walking, or prolonged sitting can lead to health issues, especially for those in the same position for extended periods. Heavy lifting should be avoided, and adjustments such as changes in tasks and breaks may be relevant measures.
Chemicals and Pregnancy: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid exposure to certain chemicals, as detailed in a separate work instruction. Understanding the properties of used chemicals, especially those marked with hazard warnings, is essential. Pregnant women should avoid contact with chemicals that can harm the fetus through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. A specific risk assessment should be conducted for pregnant women working with chemicals.
Biological Factors and Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid work involving biological factors that can affect the fetus, including infection risk groups such as Hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, herpes, chickenpox, typhus, and HIV. A risk assessment should consider the presence of biological factors, potentially harmful substances they may produce, their infection risk group, information about illnesses caused, and the probability of health damage to pregnant women. Pregnant women should not work with biological factors in infection risk group 2, and must not work with biological factors in infection risk group 3 or 4.
Radiation and Pregnancy: Exposure to ionizing radiation poses a risk to the unborn child. Employers must ensure that the radiation dose to the fetus does not exceed 1 mSv for the remainder of the pregnancy when a pregnant employee informs them. Alternative work or relocation should be offered if desired. Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, such as from computer screens, is not associated with radiation risk for pregnant women.
