The sick leave for maternal risk: a preventive occupational medicine intervention.

Oţelea, Marina Ruxandra; Apostol, Ramona; Dobre, Cristina; Alexandra Stănescu, Ana Maria; Simionescu, Anca Angela

The last decades made an essential contribution to the knowledge of occupational risk factors on human reproductive function. Reducing exposure to these factors is a constant public health concern. This article exemplifies the main categories of risk factors for maternal and fetal health, the effects described in people exposed during the occupational activity, and the possibilities for intervention provided by current Romanian legislation. The multitude of occupational contexts in which these risk factors occur and the need to protect against harmful effects determine the intervention of the occupational physician after the employee notifies the employer about the pregnancy. Following this information, the occupational physician analyzes with the employer the presence of hazards in the workplace that could have undesirable effects on the pregnant woman. The purpose of this investigation is to find solutions to stop the exposure to any potential nuisance. If the exposure cannot be completely stopped, the occupational physician may use the pregnant woman’s right to maternity leave as a primary preventive measure. In conclusion, maternity leave is not similar to obstetric risk, medical leave or prenatal leave. However, knowledge of the legal framework and effective communication between the occupational physician, the obstetrician and the family doctor can help reduce the overall maternal risk.

SICK leave; OCCUPATIONAL medicine; PREVENTIVE medicine; MATERNITY leave; WOMEN'S rights

Obstetrică şi Ginecologie, 2022, Vol 70, Issue 1, p6

1220-5532

Academic Journal

10.26416/OBSGIN.70.1.2022