Medical Surveillance & Reproductive Health

The University of Michigan (U-M) is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees through the implementation of a Medical Surveillance and Reproductive Health Awareness Program. These programs expand on the Hazard Communication and Laboratory Safety Standard programs at U-M.

Medical Surveillance Program

The Medical Surveillance Program provides physical examinations and other relevant testing for staff and students with potential occupational-related stressors or illness. During your consultation with EHS, you will be informed if your staff needs enrollment in a medical surveillance program.

The duration to complete this task depends on the research protocol, the hazardous substances being used, the number of staff and students, and individual needs. Some programs require completion of a questionnaire, while others may require a medical evaluation from occupational health clinicians.

Reproductive Health Awareness Program

The Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Reproductive Health Awareness Program provides technical support regarding occupational risk, workplace safety assessments, fetal radiation dose monitoring, and educational materials focused on preventative and protective measures.

Reproductive Hazards

Reproductive hazards can affect reproductive capabilities, including chromosomal damage (mutagens) and fetal effects (teratogens). The following hazardous materials may cause complications to reproductive health before and during pregnancy:

• Chemicals
• Radiation or radioactive materials
• Infectious agents

California Proposition 65 lists chemicals that are reproductive and cancer toxins. Some hazards you work with may not be fully tested for reproductive effects. If you have any concerns, complete and submit the Reproductive Health Hazard Evaluation Request Form. An EHS Representative will contact you.

The Work Environment

The following environments may also put an embryo/fetus at risk during pregnancy. If you have concerns, complete and submit the Reproductive Health Hazard Evaluation Request Form. An EHS Representative will contact you.

• Environment with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance or Electromagnetic Fields
• Environments with noise levels above 85 decibels or loud impact/impulse noises
• Environments with extreme temperatures
• Environments where ergonomics best practices cannot be implemented

What You Can Do

While waiting for your EHS representative, you can take the following actions to minimize exposure to reproductive hazards:

• Use available engineering controls, safety equipment, and personal protective equipment when working with hazardous materials or environments
• Follow all procedures when working with hazardous materials or environments
• Be aware of non-occupational exposures to your unborn child, including alcohol, smoking, prescription/non-prescription drugs, and household chemicals

What EHS Will Do

EHS will contact you to gather information, evaluate workplace reproductive health hazards, and recommend control measures to reduce or eliminate risks.

Confidentiality

All communications, written or verbal, used to identify and reduce reproductive health risks are confidential. Upon request, EHS can share evaluation information with your supervisor or physician. Your physician can counsel you on the implications of your workplace conditions.