After 10 long years, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act has finally passed, guaranteeing the safety and health of pregnant workers in the United States. Under this new law, all employers with at least 15 employees will be required to extend “reasonable accommodations” to pregnant workers, ensuring that they can continue to work in safer and healthier conditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore what this law entails and what it means for pregnant workers across the country.
What is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act?
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act mandates that employers with at least 15 employees must provide “reasonable accommodations” to pregnant workers. These accommodations are designed to ensure that pregnant workers can continue to work in safer and healthier conditions, without fear of retaliation from their employer. As reported by Safety & Health Magazine, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has been tasked with issuing regulations that include examples of reasonable accommodations. These could include:
- More frequent or longer bathroom breaks
- A water bottle at a workstation
- A chair or stool to sit on during work tasks
- Periodic rest breaks
- Light duty
- Assistance with manual labor
- Lifting limitations
- Temporary reassignment to a less strenuous or hazardous job
- Acquisition or modification of equipment
- Assignment to a vacant position
- Time off to recover from conditions related to childbirth
- Work-from-home options
Why is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act so important?
Before the passage of this act, pregnant workers were often forced to take unpaid leave or leave their jobs entirely if they needed a minor change in workplace duties or policies due to their pregnancy. With the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, pregnant workers will now be able to work in safer and healthier conditions, with employers required to provide reasonable accommodations to support their needs. This law is a significant step forward in promoting equality and justice for pregnant workers in the United States, promoting gender equality in the workplace.
What should pregnant workers know?
It’s important for pregnant workers to know that they can ask for accommodations without fear of retaliation from their employer. Employers should discuss with pregnant workers the types of chemicals used in the workplace and any potential risks, while colleagues can help ensure that reasonable accommodations are being met. If a pregnant worker is hesitant to ask for accommodations, they can take a courteous path into a conversation about the new law, including sharing information on the new law, websites, and printed materials to promote awareness in the workplace.
