Working at the hospital during pregnancy: A descriptive national cross-sectional study in France

Abstract

The objective of the article is to describe the follow-up of pregnancies at work and occupational exposure to potential risks for pregnancy. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed from April1, 2017 to October31, 2017 in the occupational health departments of French hospitals. After delivery and at the time of returning to work, 1,165eligible workers were interviewed by occupational health physicians (OHPs). Socio-demographic information was self-reported. Occupational exposures were assessed by an OHP. Birth weight, gestational age, and sick leaves were also collected. Among recruited workers, 51.8% were exposed to more than 5 occupational hazards. Biological and physical hazards were the most common hazards at the workplace. Note that heavy lifting≥15kg concerned 9.5% of workers. Only 20.1% of workers had a specific "pregnancy at work" medical visit with OHP during pregnancy; 26.8% benefited from workstation adjustments. In contrast, the level of sick leaves was high (86.7%). Our data suggest that pregnant workers in hospitals must be strictly supervised.