Reproductive Health and the Workplace

In This Issue

Quick Fact: Reproductive Health and the Workplace
Resources: Resources - Workplace Reproductive Health: Research & Strategies
Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Events

Quick Fact: Reproductive Health and the Workplace

Reproductive Health and the Workplace

New and expectant parents represent a large percentage of the workforce. In Canada, women make up over 50% of the workforce; 91% of these women are in their prime childbearing years (Voices for Children, N.d.). Eight out of ten women will become pregnant during their working years. Most of these women continue to work during pregnancy and plan to return to work after the baby is born. Providing information and support about reproductive health and work is no longer an 'extra'. Most workers will require this information at some point in their working lives. Consideration of males' reproductive health within the workplace is also an area not to be ignored. The workplace is becoming an increasingly important location from which to deliver health promotion programs for those contemplating pregnancy and those who are pregnant, who will soon be parents. Workplaces can play a valuable role in helping both men and women have the healthiest families possible.

(From: Workplace Reproductive Health: Research & Strategies, Best Start 2: Ontario's Maternal Newborn and Early Childhood Development Resource Centre)

Resources

Workplace Reproductive Health: Research & Strategies
The resource includes information on how to address a variety of workplace reproductive concerns including chemical, biological, ergonomic, physical, lifestyle, work schedule and stress related concerns. In addition, each section includes examples of approaches that can be used to reduce or eliminate the risks.

How to be a Pregnancy Friendly Workplace: Policies and Practices that make a difference, Best Start
Discusses the benefits of a pregnancy friendly workplace; discrimination and the rights of pregnant workers; reproductive health risks in the workplace and how to reduce them; and, offers examples of pregnancy friendly education, policies and practices.

The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Many factors can affect a woman's reproductive health and her ability to produce healthy children. We know that the health of an unborn child can suffer if a woman fails to eat right, smokes, or drinks alcohol during pregnancy. However, we know very little about the cause of most reproductive health problems such as infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. We do know that some workplace hazards can affect a woman's reproductive health, her ability to become pregnant, or the health of her unborn children.

This document answers the following questions: What are reproductive hazards for female workers? How does the female reproductive system work? What reproductive problems might be caused by workplace exposures? How are workers and their babies exposed? How are families exposed? How can exposures be prevented? What additional information is available from NIOSH?

The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Male Reproductive Health, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Many factors can contribute to producing healthy children. It is well known that the health of an unborn child can suffer if a woman fails to eat right, smokes, or drinks alcohol during pregnancy. It is not well known, however, that a man's exposure to substances in the workplace can affect his ability to have healthy children.

This document provides general information about reproductive hazards, an explanation of how substances in the workplace can cause reproductive problems in men, and suggestions for preventing exposure to reproductive hazards.

Workplace Reproductive Health, Wendy Burgoyne, Best Start: Ontario's Maternal, Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre
A power point presentation at Best Starts Annual Conference 2007. An overview of all aspects of workplace reproductive health including a brief overview of Federal and Provincial policies.

Pregnancy and Work Poster, Best Start Resource Centre *
A poster about work and pregnancy which provides simple suggestions for a healthier pregnancy.

Access the pdf at: http://www.beststart.org/resources/wrkplc_health/pdf/pregnancy_work_poster3.pdf

Or to order paper copies of the poster visit: http://www.beststart.org/resources/wrkplc_health/index.html

Work and Pregnancy Do Mix! Best Start Resource Centre *
A Booklet for working women who are or may become pregnant. Provides information on workplace risks, ways to reduce risks, and sources of additional information.

* The above 2 resources can be ordered through the Region of Waterloo Public Health Resource Centre by:

• emailing phrc@region.waterloo.on.ca
• calling 519-883-2374
• or click here to ordered on-line

Additional Resources

Motherisk: Treating the Mother - Protecting the Unborn
The Motherisk Program at The Hospital for Sick Children is a clinical, research and teaching program dedicated to antenatal drug, chemical, and disease risk counseling. Created in 1985, Motherisk provides evidence-based information about the risk or safety of exposure to drugs, chemicals, diseases, radiation and environmental agents during pregnancy and while nursing. Motherisk counseling and research give pregnant, planning and breastfeeding women the opportunity for rational treatment, the means to make well-informed choices and a healthy start for their unborn children. Motherisk is affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Pregnets
This website provides the most up-to-date information on smoking cessation practices for pregnant and postpartum women.

Ontario Human Rights Commission: Pregnancy & Breastfeeding, Your Rights & Responsibilities
A policy document addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding is available on the website or calling 1-800-387-9080.

Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers
A booklet about ergonomics and pregnancy, risk factors, recommendations and legal rights.

Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Events

December 2007

THCU Comprehensive Workplace Health Promotion Project Webinars - December 2007 - January 2008
THCU's Workplace Project is running the first series of free webinars you can pick and choose from; all you need is a phone, the Internet and a little over an hour! This year we are conducting two types of webinars, interactive and presentation style to fit your learning needs!

World AIDS Day - December 1, 2007

International Day of Disabled Persons - December 3, 2007

January 2008

Region of Waterloo Public Health - Workshop for Service Providers - Advanced Maternal Age: Pregnancy After Age 35 - January 21, 2008 9 am - 4 pm

Weedless Wednesday - January 23, 2008

February 2008

Heart Month - February 2008

Eating Disorder Awareness Week - February 4-10, 2008

Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day - February 12, 2008

Region of Waterloo Public Health - Prenatal Health Fair - February 13, 2008
A free event at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club for those planning a pregnancy or already pregnant. Displays, workshops, prizes and food. Call 519-883-2308 for more information.

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For More Information

Check the website for more information. Project Health