Formaldehyde Exposure and Pregnancy
Formaldehyde exposure during pregnancy may present health and safety risks where workplace exposure is not properly controlled. Some research has raised concerns about possible links between formaldehyde exposure during pregnancy, miscarriage and low birth weight. Employers have a legal duty to assess workplace risks and take reasonable steps to protect pregnant workers from harmful exposure. This may include reducing exposure to hazardous vapours, improving workplace ventilation and ensuring suitable protective measures are in place.
At Thompsons Solicitors, we have extensive experience supporting workers affected by unsafe working conditions and hazardous substance exposure. Our specialist industrial disease lawyers provide clear legal advice and practical support to workers who have suffered illness or complications linked to workplace exposure.
In this guide:
- Pregnancy Risk Assessments
- Employer Responsibilities
- Reducing Workplace Exposure
- Claiming Compensation
Pregnancy Risk Assessments
If a worker is pregnant and exposed to formaldehyde at work, employers are required to carry out a specific pregnancy risk assessment. This assessment should identify any workplace risks and consider whether existing safety measures are sufficient to protect the worker and unborn child from harm.
Employers should review the working environment, the level of exposure involved and whether additional protective measures are required. Risk assessments should be updated where workplace conditions change or new concerns are identified. In some cases, employers may also need to seek occupational health advice to properly assess the risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances during pregnancy.
The assessment should consider factors such as how often the worker is exposed to formaldehyde, whether exposure takes place in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas and whether existing control measures are effectively reducing risks. Employers should also take into account any symptoms or concerns raised by the worker and review whether temporary adjustments to duties or working arrangements are necessary to improve safety during pregnancy.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to protect pregnant workers from harmful exposure in the workplace. Depending on the level of risk, employers may need to:
- Change working duties
- Improve workplace controls or ventilation
- Provide suitable alternative work
- Reduce exposure to hazardous substances
- Suspend the employee on full pay where risks cannot be safely controlled
Employers should take concerns raised by pregnant workers seriously and act promptly to reduce any identified risks. Where employers fail to properly assess risks or take appropriate action, pregnant workers may be exposed to unnecessary health and safety risks.
Reducing Workplace Exposure
Reducing exposure to formaldehyde may involve introducing safer working practices, limiting time spent in high-exposure areas and ensuring suitable protective equipment is provided where necessary.
Employers should also ensure workers receive appropriate information and training about the risks associated with formaldehyde exposure and understand the safety procedures designed to reduce those risks. Prompt action should be taken where workers report concerns about workplace exposure or inadequate safety measures. In some cases, employers may also need to remove pregnant workers from exposure where risks cannot be safely controlled.
Regular monitoring of workplace conditions and reviewing existing safety controls may help reduce the risk of harmful exposure. Employers should continue assessing whether current measures remain effective, particularly where hazardous substances are used frequently or working conditions change.
Claiming Compensation
If you suffered illness, injury or complications linked to formaldehyde exposure during pregnancy, you may be entitled to pursue a compensation claim. Evidence relating to workplace conditions, risk assessments and concerns raised with an employer may help support a claim, particularly where appropriate action was not taken to reduce risks.
Compensation may help cover medical expenses, loss of earnings and the wider impact the exposure has had on your health, wellbeing and family life. Medical evidence, workplace documentation and occupational health records may all play an important role in supporting a claim.
Obtaining legal advice at an early stage may help preserve important evidence relating to workplace exposure, working conditions and medical diagnosis.
To speak to a solicitor about making a claim, contact our team today.