Ensure a safe workplace and working hours

As an expectant mother, it is crucial to know how your workplace and working hours can affect your pregnancy. As a pregnant woman you have a number of rights and it is also important to pay attention to a number of professions.

Working with Hazardous Substances

Different Professions: In professions such as cleaning, metal, chemistry, agriculture, painting, nursing, pharmacy assistance and hairdressing, you can come into contact with hazardous substances. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding caution is advised.

Ask for other work: If you think you are working with hazardous substances, talk to your employer about finding other work that will not expose you to substances that could be harmful to you or your baby. As soon as you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is prohibited to come into contact with these substances. Work involving serious danger must be stopped immediately, and it is up to your employer to make temporary adjustments.

Responsibility of the employer: Your employer must ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Within two weeks after you have reported that you are pregnant, your employer must inform you about possible risks at work and take measures to prevent them.

Working Hours and Specific Considerations

Adjusted working hours during pregnancy: During your pregnancy and up to 6 months after giving birth, you are entitled to adjusted working hours, including extra breaks, regular working hours and rest periods. You can also submit a request to your employer to adjust your working hours.

Right to maternity leave and maternity leave: As a pregnant working woman you are entitled to maternity leave, a total of 16 weeks of paid leave.

Examinations during work: You have the right to pregnancy examinations during working hours, with your salary continuing to be paid for the duration of the examination and the travel time.

Breastfeeding and pumping at work: During the first 9 months of your child's life, you have the right to breastfeed or express your child during working hours.

Adapted work during and after pregnancy: You are entitled to adapted work for up to 6 months after childbirth if your employer cannot or cannot sufficiently remove possible dangers. Your employer must also limit the physical strain of your work as much as possible.

Specific Considerations

Pesticides in the agricultural sector: Pesticides are often used in the agricultural sector. Some of these substances can affect fertility and have adverse effects on your pregnancy. If possible, try to avoid contact with these substances and protect yourself if working with them is unavoidable.

Noise disturbance: Loud noise, above 80 decibels, can be harmful to your baby. Occupations in the (metal) industry, childcare, swimming pools and pig farming often involve exposure to excessively loud noise. Make sure that you do not experience noise above the safe limit.

Radiation: Ionizing radiation, present in X-ray rooms, hospitals, laboratories and nuclear power plants, can be harmful to your unborn child. If you have to work with this, the dose should be as low as possible, no more than 1mSv.

Vibrations: Be careful with vibrations and shocks as they can cause back problems and be harmful to your baby. Ask for modified work if you think vibrations are harmful.

Stress and working hours: Working for long periods under high pressure is unhealthy, especially during pregnancy. Stressful situations can produce extra hormones that affect both you and your baby. Discuss such situations with your manager and see whether the work can be organized differently or whether working and rest times can be adjusted.

Remember that your well-being and that of your baby come first. Discuss any concerns with your employer and ensure that both your workplace and working hours are adapted to your needs during this special period.