A labor perspective on workplace reproductive hazards: past history, current concerns, and positive directions.
The Supreme Court's March 1991 ruling in United Automobile Workers (UAW) versus Johnson Controls barring corporate "fetal protection policies" was a major victory for women's employment rights and has health and safety implications for both sexes. However, 2 years after the Court's decision, the union's work is far from over. The UAW has yet to see what policy Johnson Controls will implement in place of the old one. Formulating solutions to the concerns of workers who are exposed daily to reproductive health hazards on the job will continue to be on labor's agenda. Preventing hazardous exposures is the first priority. This goal would be furthered by setting occupational health and safety standards designed to protect workers' general and reproductive health. Support for the Comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act (COSHRA) would also positively affect health and safety in the workplace. Where hazards have not yet been abated, the framework of transfers and income protections for all workers with temporary job restrictions should be examined. The Legal/Labor Working Group convened at the Occupational and Environmental Reproductive Hazards Working Conference authored guidelines for developing a model reproductive hazards policy. These recommendations can serve as a guide for implementation of nondiscriminatory and health-protective policies by employers.
Graham
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T
Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, Boston 02130.
Lessin
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N
Mirer
F
F
D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007750:Labor Unions / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
D015386:Hazardous Substances