OSPE - The Voice - Winter 2021 - 20

NEWS & EVENTS
MINIMIZING
Reproductive
Hazards IN THE LAB
This article was written by Eoin O'Grady Ph.D., CRSP
Occupational Health and Safety Consultant to CSMLS
I
t is incredibly important for an organization to support
you and your colleagues throughout your entire
working lives. Some physical, biological, chemical, and
radiological hazards have been shown to affect human
reproductive systems, or the health and survival of the
developing embryo or fetus. A healthy and happy pregnancy
is possible while working in the lab, and controlling hazards
during this important life stage is just as important as other
safety controls in the lab.
Identifying and Controlling Reproductive
Hazards
It is best to fully inform yourself about hazard controls to protect
yourself if considering this important step of your life. The hazard
assessment and control form is the best starting point to identify
potential hazards, methods of control and the way to minimize
risk, while working in the lab. Take the opportunity to work by
yourself or engage a trusted colleague to review what is already
documented.
Several items can prompt a revision of the hazard assessment,
such as:
* New process or procedure
* New equipment
* Post-incident learnings
* Several years since last review
Identify reproductive hazards and focus your efforts on
controlling those hazards. Depending on your organization's
policy, you may have a duty to inform when considering pregnancy
or as soon as you become aware of pregnancy. Focus on the
hierarchy of controls - engineering, administrative, and Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) - and ensure that the listed controls
are still effective for you.
Reducing Exposure for All Workers is
Important
While reducing exposure for all workers is important, in the case
of reproductive hazards, some hazard controls may need specific
changes to be more effective:
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THE VOICE December 2021
* Lowering the limit on exposure to radiation hazards as
required by legislation
* Limiting use of respirators if they become uncomfortable
* Lowering the limits on lifting from the ground, above the
waist or above shoulder height
*
Increased breaks and extra attention to ergonomics
Restrictions and limitations provided by a medical
professional for the pregnant worker are an important part of
ensuring a healthy and happy pregnancy. Work with your medical,
occupational health or safety professional to determine what can
be safely continued or what must change. It is also important to
continue implementing controls post-pregnancy to ensure that
breastfed children are not exposed to hazards arising in the
workplace.
Supporting a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy
When management of the organization has become aware of
the need to modify duties, it is important that the leadership
effectively protects your confidential medical information and
works collaboratively with you when discussing duties. The
organization and management must demonstrate support for
pregnant staff by providing reasonable accommodation. It is
best when the reasons for modifying work duties are clearly
communicated to you by management, as well as colleagues.
Management may need to consider finding alternative work or
backfill certain parts of your role. Accommodating your needs, as
part of the occupational health and safety management system,
demonstrates commitment to you and your colleagues throughout
your working lives - a key element leading towards success of the
organization and the patients you serve.
OSPE - The Voice - Winter 2021

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