Exposure to occupational hazards for pregnancy and sick leave in pregnant workers: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to occupational hazards for pregnancy and sick leave (SL) in pregnant workers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in French occupational health services in 2014. Occupational hazards for pregnancy were assessed by occupational health physicians (OHPs). After delivery and at the time of returning to work, 1,495 eligible workers were interviewed by OHPs. Information on SL was self-reported. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated from multivariable analyses based on a generalized linear model with a Bernoulli distribution and a log link adjusted for selected confounders for binary outcomes or zero-inflated negative binomial regression for count outcomes.ResultsAmong recruited workers, 74.9% presented “at least one SL” during pregnancy. After adjustment, the cumulative index of occupational hazards (0, 1–2, 3–4, ≥ 5 risks) for pregnancy was significantly associated with “at least one SL” during pregnancy in a dose–response relationship. This gradient was also observed with “early SL” (<15 week gestation): from 1 to 2 risks, RR = 1.48 (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.92-2.38); from 3 to 4 risks, RR = 2.03 (95% CI: 1.25-3.30); equal to or higher than five risks, RR = 2.90 (95% CI: 1.89-4.44); with “duration of absence” (adjusted mean): from 1 to 2 risks, m = 38.6 days; from 3 to 4 risks, m = 46.8 days; equal to or higher than five risks, m = 53.8 days. We also found that deprivation, pregnancy at risk, assisted reproductive therapy, work-family conflicts, home-work commuting felt as difficult and young age are associated with a higher risk of SL.ConclusionsOur results support the assertion that pregnant workers exposed to occupational hazards for pregnancy without medical complications are also at risk of taking SL during pregnancy. More prevention in the workplace for pregnant workers exposed to occupational hazards could reduce SL.

Implementation, mechanisms and effects of maternity protection legislation: a realist narrative review of the literature

“…The study by Kristensen et al (2008) indicated that ergonomic adjustments to workstations reduced absenteeism. These findings are consistent with several other studies, which have shown that absence during pregnancy is highly correlated with working conditions (Hansen et al 2015;Henrotin et al 2017;Kaerlev et al 2004). Other benefits, including the working atmosphere, the quality of working relationships, employee motivation, and the quality of their work, are more difficult to put a number on but are not less valuable.…”

“…Bilhartz and Bilhartz 2013;Cheng et al 2009), but this topic is generally less investigated than outcomes pertaining to pregnancy and children's health (Figà-Talamanca 2006). However, consistent evidence indicates that occupational exposures and arduous working conditions lead to a higher rate of sick leave during pregnancy (Dørheim et al 2013;Hansen et al 2015;Henrotin et al 2017;Kaerlev et al 2004). Many countries have implemented specific laws to protect pregnant women and their unborn children from occupational exposure, in accordance with the International Labour Organization's Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No.…”

The influence of multiple occupational exposures on absence from work in pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

“…The relationship between occupational exposures and absence from work during pregnancy has mostly been assessed for individual factors, one at a time, rather than for combinations of exposures. However, one crosssectional study investigated an index of occupational exposures and showed that, with an increasing number of exposures, the risk of self-reported sickness absence during pregnancy increased (6). Findings described in a Danish report indicated that pregnant women concurrently exposed to several occupational exposures had more absences from work than pregnant women with fewer or no exposures at work (7).…”

Occupational reporiductive system diseases in female workers employed at worplaces with harmful working conditions

“…Доказано, что значительное количество заболеваний репродуктивной системы являют-ся профессионально обусловленными, приводя к проблемам с зачатием, вынашиванием плода и даже к бесплодию [6,7,10,14]. Особую тре-вогу вызывают профессии высокого риска, в которых женщины подвергаются сочетанному действию профессиональных факторов различ-ной природы (например, воздействие химиче-ских веществ в сочетании с физическими, био-логическими факторами, тяжестью и напря-женностью труда) [12,15].…”