Duties and Responsibilities as a Direct Supervisor of a Pregnant Employee

[somashekar]

In Reply to Parent Post by ScottK

In the US all employees are required by law to have access to MSDS sheets for their work area at any time. They are required to be trained in where to get them, what they mean, and how to read them.

Thanks ScottK ... I had no clue to know where tekno9000 is from. I shared my thought based on our working here. We do not share the MSDS here, however the safety precautions to be followed while handling them is extracted from the MSDS and trained / displayed at place of work.
I am eager to see tekno9000 come back on this thread.

[qusys]

In Reply to Parent Post by tekno9000

One of my direct reports is pregnant. We use hazardous chemicals in our plant, which I don’t want her to inhale / touch. I was looking for some information on OSHA laws and national regulations and rights for pregnant employees. I also want to know what are my duties and responsibilities as a direct supervisor of a pregnant employee.

I don’t know if this is the right forum, but it would be a great help if someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks.

There are National law concerning with job , country by country.
From my experience, she could be changed of job dedicating her to office job or decide for leaving of absence, in case of no other alternative.
Pls, check you Human resource staff as well as with the direct interested for the best solution.

[tekno9000]

Hello All,

Thanks for all the advice. While I was away, I tried to do some research myself and came across an interesting case.

I came across a law suit "International Union v. Johnson Controls". The US supreme court's decision is also interesting. I would be interested to know all your views on this lawsuit.

Quick Summary of the case

• Company finds high levels of lead in operator’s blood.
• Issues a policy of not allowing women with child bearing age to work on production lines.
• Women sue on basis of discrimination
• Supreme court verdict - "protection of the health of the unborn child is the immediate and direct responsibility of the prospective parents. While the medical profession and the company can support them in the exercise of this responsibility, it cannot assume it for them without simultaneously infringing their rights as persons. . . . . Since not all women who can become mothers, wish to become mothers, (or will become mothers), it would appear to be illegal discrimination to treat all who are capable of pregnancy as though they will become pregnant."



P.S.- HR folks have been made aware about this situation and I have already moved the pregnant employee in a least physically / mentally demanding role where she is not in contact with ANY chemicals.

[Randy]

Look, you're in the US, just check with your state labor agency (No pun intended)

[kgott]

In Reply to Parent Post by tekno9000

One of my direct reports is pregnant. We use hazardous chemicals in our plant, which I don’t want her to inhale / touch. I was looking for some information on OSHA laws and national regulations and rights for pregnant employees. I also want to know what are my duties and responsibilities as a direct supervisor of a pregnant employee.

I don’t know if this is the right forum, but it would be a great help if someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks.

Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the all substances involved and it should provide all the advise you need. You can also contact the manufacturer and request more information if you wish.