Protecting Pregnant Employees in Healthcare Settings

Pregnant employees play an essential role in healthcare settings — from dental hygienists and veterinary technicians to nurses and medical assistants. Because their work may involve exposure to chemicals, biological agents, radiation, or physical stressors, employers have a responsibility to ensure these environments remain safe throughout pregnancy.

While OSHA does not have a single regulation dedicated to pregnancy, existing standards and the General Duty Clause require employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause harm. This article outlines key steps healthcare employers can take to protect pregnant employees safely and compliantly.

Understanding OSHA’s Framework

Under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), employers must maintain a workplace free from known hazards. Several OSHA standards support this responsibility, including:

• Ionizing Radiation (29 CFR 1910.1096): Limits exposure and requires monitoring through personal dosimeters.
• Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030): Protects employees from infectious materials that may present heightened risks during pregnancy.
• Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): Ensures awareness of chemical and reproductive hazards identified on Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I): Requires appropriate protective gear when exposure cannot be otherwise eliminated.

Common Workplace Risks During Pregnancy

Pregnant employees in healthcare environments may encounter several risk categories:

• Radiation exposure from X-rays and imaging equipment
• Infectious agents such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus B19, and toxoplasmosis
• Chemical hazards, including anesthetic gases, sterilants, and certain disinfectants
• Ergonomic stressors from lifting, bending, or long standing periods
• Slip and fall hazards in wet or fast-paced clinical environments

Employers should conduct a hazard assessment to identify these exposures and determine whether modifications or temporary reassignment are necessary.

Radiation Example: X-Ray Duties

Radiation control is one of the most common areas where accommodations may apply. Even though exposure limits are strictly regulated, many pregnant workers prefer to avoid direct participation in radiographic procedures.

• Provide personal dosimetry badges and review readings regularly.
• Ensure protective equipment (lead aprons, thyroid collars, barriers) are in good condition and used correctly.
• Allow voluntary reassignment away from X-ray duties during pregnancy.
• Train staff to step out of the operatory or behind barriers during exposure.

These measures demonstrate both regulatory compliance and a culture of care — supporting employees’ health and peace of mind.

Other Reasonable Modifications

Depending on job duties and practice type, employers may consider:

• Reassigning sterilization or anesthesia-related tasks
• Limiting heavy lifting or patient transfers
• Providing additional rest breaks and hydration access
• Improving ventilation where chemical vapors are used
• Offering flexible scheduling or reduced exposure hours

Accommodations should be handled confidentially and on a voluntary basis, consistent with OSHA safety obligations and EEOC pregnancy accommodation guidance.

Communication and Training

Open communication ensures safety without stigma. Employers should:

• Encourage early disclosure so safety plans can be developed proactively.
• Document identified risks and agreed-upon adjustments.
• Train staff on reading SDSs, recognizing reproductive hazards, and using PPE.
• Reinforce policies that prohibit retaliation or discrimination.

Summary

Protecting pregnant employees is not only a compliance requirement — it’s an ethical commitment to workplace safety and inclusion. By proactively assessing hazards, supporting reassignment requests (such as opting out of X-ray duties), and providing training on exposure control, healthcare employers can maintain compliance while ensuring the well-being of their staff and patients alike.