Wright State University
Policy number: 6030
Subject: Pregnancy in the Workplace and in Academic and Research Settings
Date issued: Revised/August 1998
Authority: Administrative Memorandum 82-2 (September 22, 1982); Vice President
for Business and Fiscal Affairs
References: Department of Environmental Health and Safety
6030.1 Purpose of Policy
The policy on pregnancy in the workplace and in academic
and research settings has been established in an effort to preclude harm being
done to any pregnant woman and/or her unborn child by being exposed to biological,
chemical, and/or physical agents while working or attending classes or other
activities at the university.
6030.2 Procedures
- All work areas, as well as academic and research settings, of the university
where exposure to biological, chemical, and/or physical agents can occur
shall be identified by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety
(EHS). EHS shall notify appropriate departmental directors of the identified
areas and shall supply to those individuals boldly printed signs directing
attention to the potential hazard. The signs shall advise any pregnant employee
or student to contact her physician immediately concerning the potential
of harmful exposure.
- Directors of all units/departments are responsible for posting such signs
prominently in each identified location and are responsible for replacing
such signs should they be damaged or lost.
- Information about specific biological, chemical, and/or physical agents
to which exposure may occur can be obtained from the unit/departmental director
or from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
- All job descriptions for positions in identified areas shall include
a notice that the workplace may be hazardous to pregnant employees and/or
their unborn children. This requirement applies to university employees,
as well as to student employees.
6030.3 Employment and Academic Assistance
When a pregnant employee, student employee, or student
has decided not to work in an area or attend a class which offers the potential
for exposure to biological, chemical, and/or physical agents, that decision
should be discussed with the following departments:
- Department of Human Resources for university employees and student employees.
- Academic advisor or department chair for students.
