IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A PREGNANT HOUSE PAINTER TO CONTINUE WORKING DURING PREGNANCY?

摘要

In Denmark about 25% of the construction painters are female, and this figure is increasing. Now approximately 50% of newly educated painters are female. In Denmark - and probably in most European countries - pregnant women are entitled to maintenance allowance, if their work environment is a threat to the foetus. A doctor has to make the decision whether a risk exists or not. This paper is a description on how to establish work conditions without risks for pregnant construction painters. The problems are divided in two main types: 1. ergonomics 2. chemistry Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19th October 1992 on pregnant workers says: "For all activities liable to involve a specific risk of exposure to the agents, processes or working conditions ..., the employer shall assess the nature, degree and duration of exposure, in the undertaking and/or establishment concerned,... in order to assess any risks to the safety or health and any possible effect on the pregnancys or breastfeeding..., decide what measures should be taken". The directive has a non-exhaustive list of agents, processes and working conditions, and the Danish legislation has translated the directive into more practical terms, as implemented in Denmark by Danish Working Environment Service (1998).