Healthy Pregnancy at the Workplace

More and more, an ambitious work agenda is becoming the norm for pregnant women across North America. Many will work right up until the very last possible day of her pregnancy. Working pregnant women need to consider not only the factors that will influence fetal development, but also physiological and ergonomic risk factors.
This policy guide will help you to address concerns and create a pregnancy friendly environment within your organization.

Did you know?

• Canadian women make up over 50% of the workforce and 91% of these women are in their prime childbearing years.
• Workers who have more flexibility and control over when and how they work are also less likely to be absent or late due to sickness.
• Stress and lack of support are risks for low birth weight babies.
• At least 1.5 million Canadian workers are exposed to known or suspected reproductive hazards in their workplace.

Source: Workplace and Health Strategies (PDF 591KB, 78 pages), Best Start 200

Benefits

• Ensures compliance with Human Rights Legislation and Ministry of Labour Employment Standards
• Decreases absenteeism
• Decreases benefit costs, both pre-and post-natal
• Improves employee commitment to the organization
• Protects your employees and their developing babies from workplace hazards
• Builds loyalty and increases return-to-work rates

[ Sample Policies and Procedures ]