According to the U.S. Census Bureau Census 2000, healthcare workers, including dental assistants, dental hygienists, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, medical records and health information technicians, registered nurses, dietitians and nutritionists, medical assistants and other healthcare support occupations, are among the top 20 occupations with the highest percentage of female workers. The American Society of Safety Engineers has some tips for those women who are pregnant on the job. Actually, the tips are good for ensuring worker safety for everyone.

• Using material handling equipment whenever possible and practical
• Reducing the weight of objects that must be handled not only make the task easier for older and women workers but make the job safer for everyone
• The risk of handling materials can be lowered for all workers by ensuring good housekeeping practices are followed; floor surfaces should be kept dry and free of debris, clutter, oil, chemicals, water and other slippery materials; pallets should be in good condition without broken boards or protruding nails
• Safety/ergonomics training on material handling techniques that covers body mechanics and preferred postures should be ongoing
• Providing a workplace with features that can be adjusted to accommodate the physical needs of all workers

When I was pregnant, I was so paranoid that I didn’t even want to make the bed! But I soon realized that if I didn’t do it…it would never get done. It’s probably the same on the job. Even if you want to take it easy, you simply can’t because there’s no one else to take on the responsibility.

Yahoo! Finance, May 10, 2006

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