Veterinary facility occupational risks for pregnant workers

UNDER REVIEW

Comment on this policy

Although scientific data concerning the reproductive health effects of many occupational exposures is limited, achieving the goal of creating a safe work environment for all employees, including those who may be pregnant, can be facilitated by awareness of inherent risks and then adopting procedures to minimize risk exposure.

This information, along with all safety guidelines and procedures, should be communicated to all workers, regardless of their gender or reproductive status. The key to a safe working environment is communication, planning ahead, and educating your workers on how to use protective equipment properly, and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Please refer to the following for relevant information:

  1. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
  2. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  3. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  4. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  5. Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions: Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel
  6. CDC NIOSH Reproductive Health and the Workplace

Related policy

Guidelines for addressing hazards in the workplace