Occupational risk perceived by pregnant workers: proposal for an assessment tool for health professionals

Abstract

Introduction The risk factors and agents present in the work environment may represent a risk to the health of pregnant women, the developing infants, and breast-feeding mothers; however, tools to assess occupational exposure of these workers are not available. Objective To develop an instrument for the qualitative assessment of occupational exposure of pregnant workers based on their perceptions. Method We conducted a data survey from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Brazilian Regulatory Standard 15. Next, a comparative analysis was performed, according to the scientific literature available, followed by a preliminary version of the instrument, a pilot test with 15 pregnant women, and preparation of the final version. Results A tool was developed consisting of 28 questions, divided into 7 categories: 1) pregnant or lactating woman; 2) habits and behaviors; 3) information about work; 4) risk factors identified by the worker in the work environment divided into chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, and accidents; 5) difficulties faced at work; 6) need for antenatal leave; and 7) open question so that the worker can inform something she considers necessary. Conclusions The study of work-related risk factors and/or agents relevant to the health of pregnant women and/or the fetus is essential to conduct adequate prenatal care and to protect the health of these workers. The use of this tool can be of great value for health professionals, especially for physicians. The practical application can bring possible improvements that were not identified by the authors during the study.

Programa Tulipas no Campo: relato de experiência do atendimento de enfermagem do trabalho às servidoras grávidas

“…Dentre as principais ameaças a esse binômio nesse contexto destacam-se: agentes químicos, tais como gases anestésicos e o formaldeído, que estão associados a um aumento do risco de abortamento, oncogenicidade e infertilidade; os agentes físicos, como calor, que pode levar a problemas reprodutivos, malformações do feto e descolamento de placenta em gestações a termo; e os agentes biológicos, dentre os quais podemos citar o Zika vírus, cuja infecção durante a gravidez pode causar microcefalia e malformações cerebrais graves no feto (Lellis et al, 2020).…”