35b Supporting women in mining: reproductive health, birth outcomes and breastfeeding

Abstract Research and policies to protect workers from workplace hazards have generally focused on the male experience, and particularly the non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding worker. There are differences in how exposure to workplace hazards affect a woman and the fetus as well as the infant child when breastfeeding. These differences may put them at higher risk of negative health outcomes. Supporting women’s reproductive health is vital to providing decent work and advancing gender equality, and can contribute to increased recruitment and retention of women in the mining industry. Guidance is needed to best support pregnancies, birth outcomes and breastfeeding. Regulated and recommended occupational exposure levels established for the pregnant or breastfeeding employee are rare. Good guidance should include protective and meaningful work re-assignment when required. Based on literature reviews, potential or confirmed reproductive hazards in mining will be presented, including heat stress, metals, noise, vibration, ionizing radiation, ergonomics and shift work. Hazards will be presented along with their potential health outcomes, occupational exposure limits, when available, and control recommendations to mitigate risk. Gaps in information will be highlighted and the need for future research discussed. Protective measures to support women’s reproductive health in mining must include leadership support, training and awareness, written programs and policies, and accessible medical and emergency services. Integrating these elements into company management systems will be discussed.