Context

In Québec, preventive measures are available for pregnant or breastfeeding workers to ensure that their jobs are safe for their pregnancy, their unborn baby or the child they are breastfeeding. The CSST-administered programme is called "Programme pour une maternité sans danger" (Programme for a risk-free pregnancy).

Source : Direction de santé publique of the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal

Are you a health professional?

If you are interested in learning more on this subject, please visit the "Programme pour une maternité sans danger" page on the website of Montréal's Director of public health.

Practical advice

What should you do?

If you are pregnant and still working, how can you benefit from the PMSD?

If you think that your job could be dangerous to your health or that of your baby during your pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding, you are eligible for the PMSD:

• Talk to your doctor.
• Your doctor will ask the occupational health team of the CLSC responsible for the area where your workplace is located to assess the hazards that your job may involve.
• Following the evaluation, the attending physician will recommend, depending on the circumstances,
  • changes to your workstation or your duties;
  • reassignment to a hazard-free workstation; or
  • preventive withdrawal.
• The Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST) will decide whether or not to grant you preventive withdrawal and the income replacement benefit (which gives you 90% of your salary while you are covered by the PMSD).
• The CSST will notify you and your attending physician, the CLSC's occupational health team and your employer of its decision.

Jobs that most often qualify for the PMSD

Nurses and nursing assistants: 17%
Teachers: 14%
Seamstresses: 8.2%
Saleswomen: 8%
Cashiers: 6%
Waitresses: 3.8%

Hairdressers: a special case

Some work environments are particularly difficult to assess because of the many substances in use. Hair salons are one example of a place where female workers use a wide range of beauty products which may contain toxic substances. To find out more, download the document (in French only) entitled "Exposition des travailleuses de la coiffure à certains produits chimiques"

Whom should you contact to get help?

Your doctor

Where can you find additional, credible information?

Sites Français

Commission de la santé et de la sécurité au travail
Commission des normes du travail du Québec
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada