EMPLOYERS are being urged to re-think health and safety standards as the number of women entering the mining sector continues to rise.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) Professor, Kerryn Phelps says women exposed to certain chemicals or injuries may later experience reproductive hazards that have implications for fertility and foetal health.
Phelps claims that protection against reproduction and fertility hazards should be incorporated into safety designs and equipment to cater for women.
“Industries which traditionally haven’t had to gear up for large numbers of women have to look at the special needs of their female workers,” she said.
Figures show that 1,600 women entered the Queensland mining industry in 2007-08, which represents an increase of more than 50 per cent.
Phelps says workplaces may need to re-consider some tasks such as lifting, carrying and repetitive labor.
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