Protection of pregnant woman in working place: during pregnancy and maternity leaving

This paper outlines an operating procedure aimed to protect female employees during pregnancy and breast feeding period, whilst they carry out various activities which may expose them and their baby to health hazards. This method, developed by the Coordinating Physician of “Sapienza” University of Rome Occupational Medical Centre (OMC), is a practical tool to be used for Risk Assessment in research laboratories, for informing and addressing the heads of departments of various organizations on the main regulatory requirements aiming to protect female employees. This paper consists of two parts: a) Outline of Risks; b) Job Duties. At last, the work fitness (referring to Legislative Decree no. 151/01) given by OMC in the last five years, (2009 to 2013) to the employees/equivalent are examined and described, to illustrate the effectiveness of this methodology aiming to promote and protect health and reproduction.