[MCOH-EH] Chemotherapy/Biotherapy reproductive hazards and staffing policy

[Swift, Melanie]

Fundamentally you need a comprehensive program in place that protects all workers and prevents exposure for everyone. We have training, work practices, and PPE in place to protect everyone from exposure, regardless of pregnancy status. Because studies in healthcare workers have shown that biomarkers for cytotoxic drugs in urine correlate directly with measures of environmental contamination, we have a program of routine environmental surveillance with surface wipes to detect trace chemotherapeutic agents. This demonstrates that we have good controls in place and are not having contamination. Staff members who are pregnant may still request a temporary reassignment. These requests are considered through the usual channels for accommodation requests, and may be granted if feasible. This is more for peace of mind than a concern that pregnant women are unsafe in the current environment, given the comprehensive protections in place.


Melanie Swift, MD
Director, Vanderbilt Occupational Health Clinic
http://occupationalhealth.vanderbilt.edu

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Wendy Stephenson
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 8:11 AM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Chemotherapy/Biotherapy reproductive hazards and staffing policy



I'm reaching out to the group on behalf of one of our member hospitals to find out how other organizations handle the chemotherapy / biotherapy reproductive hazards and staffing of pregnant, conceiving, and/or breastfeeding staff members.  Specifically, what policy or procedure is in place for accommodation or "opting out".  The issue has recently come up due to adoption of the Lippincott manual online and the more obvious messaging about the hazards with administering drugs of various sorts (not just chemo).




[PHTS Bar for Email Signature copy]
Wendy Stephenson, MS, ARM, CPHRM, CSP
Vice President, Risk Management
WSTEPHENSON at PHTS.COM<mailto:WSTEPHENSON at PHTS.COM>
D 803.461.8388  C 803.240.8659
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