Enhancing maternity protection at work: assessing the contribution of a specialized occupational medicine consultation for pregnant employees in Switzerland

Abstract

Aim Occupational exposures may harm the health of pregnant workers and their future children. While Switzerland has established specific regulations to safeguard pregnant employees while enabling them to pursue their job, there are limitations in implementing these provisions. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of an occupational medicine consultation (PregOH-consultation) in protecting pregnant workers and facilitating their safe return to work. Pregnant employees were referred to the consultation by their attending physicians in need of support in applying pregnancy protective legislation. Subject and methods Between 2015 and 2021, indicators were collected from pregnant workers who sought the consultation, as well as from their employers. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses were performed. Results Out of the 328 work situations analysed, 98% presented at least one occupational hazard. Among the 272 companies contacted, only 14% had conducted a risk analysis, and 39% had implemented job adaptations. Among the pregnant workers whose employers were involved in the PregOH-consultation, 44% were able to return to work safely. Early referral to the consultation and pre-existing preventive measures within the company were identified as potential predictors of successul of the consultation in terms of safe return to work. The impact of the consultation was found to be less pronounced for women of foreign nationality. Conclusion The observed companies have insufficient measures in place to adequately protect pregnant employees, potentially jeopardizing their health or leading to premature job withdrawal. The PregOH-consultation serves as an effective intervention by facilitating hazard identification and enabling pregnant workers to safely continue their employment.