Identify workplace health risks

To yourself and your unborn child.

This page will help you identify risks in your working environment that may affect your pregnancy.

Risks are organized by weeks of pregnancy. For each risk, maximum limits are specified: lifting, posture, transport, risk of falling, exposure to biological agents, temperature, etc.

If you are exposed to any of these risks, immediate withdrawal from work may be considered.

Important: The following list is not exhaustive. Risks may vary depending on the specific nature of your position.

Limits to be observed at all times

Lifting

Weights over 15 kg: Never lift loads weighing more than 15 kg.
Weights between 10 and 15 kg: Do not lift more than 10 times per shift.
Total weight: do not lift a total of more than 150 kg per shift.
Transport assist devices: Avoid using material handling equipment if conditions are not optimal.
Total equipment weight: Immediate reassignment if the total weight (equipment + contents) exceeds 100 kg

Climate

Do not work in cold environments.

Work Schedule

Do not work at night between midnight and 6 a.m.

From beginning of pregnancy to 22nd week

Schedule

Do not work more than 40 hours per week.

Posture

Do not stand for more than 6 hours per day.

After 12 weeks

Falls

Stepladders/ladders: Do not use stepladders or ladders higher than 4 feet (1.2 metres), with or without a load. One hand must be free at all times.
Stairs: Do not carry loads on stairs if one hand cannot hold the handrail.

Transport

Do not drive more than 100 km per shift or when road conditions are poor.

After 20 weeks

Falls - Elevated surfaces

Do not use stepladders, ladders or stools higher than 2 ft (0.6 m).

Handling

Avoid loads exceeding 10 kg.

Noise

Avoid exposure to noise levels of 85 dB(A) or higher for 8 hours or more.

After 22 weeks

Posture

Do not stand for more than 4 hours per day.

After 24 weeks

Schedule

Do not work more than 35 hours per week.
- Less if the job includes evening work or awkward postures.
Do not work between 9 p.m. and midnight. (Reminder: night work is prohibited at all times during pregnancy.)

Stressful postures

Tasks that mainly involve

squatting or kneeling
abdominal compression
working with arms raised more than 30° above the shoulders
bending the trunk more than 20°, with or without frequent twisting

must be limited to a total of 2 hours per day and a maximum of 15 minutes per hour.