Women, pregnancy and maternity – in the construction industry

Construction employers invest heavily to recruit, train and get workers job-ready so their best interests are served by being aware of the extraordinary needs of pregnant women and new mothers, a panel at the Manitoba Women in Trades conference heard November 21.

The panel, four women with experience in various aspects of construction, brought their personal and professional experience and advice to the panel discussion, which talked about safety – the primary concern – and accommodations that women and new families need, to make the work/life balance work.

First, in safety, Jac Oduro, Director of MHCA WorkSafely Education and Training, stressed that attention should be paid to potential hazards – everything from exposure to chemicals, toxins, dangerous materials to physical work-site tasks – that can endanger the worker or the developing fetus.

“Everyone has a right to disclose when they want when pregnant,” Oduro said.

Understandably, pregnant women often don’t tell people prior to the end of the first semester. But that might not work if you’re working in construction, she stressed.

“The fetus is exposed and at greater risk in first trimester because the organs are developing.”

Employers and workers should know, Oduro said, that provincial and federal safety and labour legislation hold obligations and protections specific to pregnant women.

“It is a requirement of employer to inform you of hazards and risk when you’re pregnant or nursing” and it’s their obligation to minimize risks of hazards exposures. That includes accommodating a worker with alternative work within their scope, if possible.

Others on the panel talked about their personal experiences.

Samantha Martin, from Bockstael Construction, said she has a very supportive work environment, culture and employer, all of which made working while pregnant easier.

Some of the issues in the first trimester included being nauseated, completely exhausted, mood swings because hormones are changing and just being very hot, as well impact on limbs and joints, Martin said.

She stressed that pregnant women with very physical jobs should take extra care: just because you’re strong enough to lift heavy loads doesn’t mean you should.

Finding a doctor who can help assess job hazards, to yourself and your fetus, is really important because you may find you need that note to leave work temporarily or early, Martin said.

It is just good business to provide the supportive work environment for pregnant or new mothers, said Alanna Marklund, of United Association of Canada, a national union of plumbers and pipefitter.

A Red-Seal endorsed Welder with Grade-B Pressure Welding certification, Marklund says the union stepped up to provide pregnancy and maternity leave benefits, including top ups, for their members.

These benefits are equally important in recruiting and retaining workers, she noted, because the workplace has to be seen to be accommodating and workable for women and families.

Martin agreed, given her experience at Bockstael.

“There’s a really good cultural there which is probably the top reason I’ve stayed in the industry.”