PPE for Pregnant Workers
Pregnancy changes your body and may change which hazards matter most. Standard PPE may stop fitting well, and some exposures that are tolerable for most workers can harm a developing baby. You have the right to ask for safer conditions and gear that fits.
- Pregnant Workers
- Supervisors
- Safety Staff
Hazards to discuss with your health care provider
Talk to your provider early about your job. Some hazards of concern include:
- Lead, mercury and some other metals. See Lead.
- Solvents, certain pesticides and some chemicals. See Solvents.
- Radiation and certain infectious agents.
- Heavy lifting, long standing, vibration and extreme heat.
- Falls and work at heights.
See Reproductive Hazards for more.
PPE fit issues
- Harnesses: a standard full-body harness may not fit properly as the belly grows. Fit may press on the abdomen and may not hold you safely in a fall. Many employers move pregnant workers away from fall hazards. If you must use one, ask for a model made for pregnancy or an alternative such as guardrails or restraint, and have fit checked. See Harness Inspection & Fitting.
- Respirators: weight changes can affect the seal of a tight-fitting mask. You may need a new fit test if your face or weight changes, and a medical re-evaluation. See Fit Testing Methods. A loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirator may be an option. See PAPR.
- Clothing and FR garments: need to be loose enough and not restrict movement. Maternity or larger sizes in the same material should be available. See Flame-Resistant Clothing.
- Gloves and footwear: swelling in hands and feet can change the fit. Boots may need a wider or half-size larger fit with proper support.
- Hearing and eye protection: usually unaffected, but check fit and comfort.
What to ask for
- A hazard review of your tasks by a safety professional, with your health care provider's input
- PPE that fits your changing body, and re-fit or re-test when needed
- Temporary task changes, such as no fall hazards, limits on heavy lifting or chemical exposure, or more breaks
- Access to water, rest and cool or warm space as needed
- Time off for prenatal appointments
Your rights
In the United States, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) generally requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, unless it would cause undue hardship. Other laws may also protect you, and some states add more. Employers cannot retaliate. See Pregnant Workers' Rights. Talk to your supervisor or HR and put your request in writing.
Standards & references
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