The health risks associated with women staying at work longer into their pregnancy are to be investigated by a Government study in association with Curtin University.
Productivity and Labour Relations Minister Yvonne Henderson announced that the year-long study would be undertaken by the Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare and the university.
"Cultural and economic changes across our society in recent years have meant that women are remaining in the workforce for a longer period during pregnancy," Mrs Henderson said.
"The study will concentrate on occupational health and safety hazards to which these women may be more sensitive or vulnerable than the general workforce."
Some of the areas to be looked at will be the effects of chemicals, manual handling issues, computer and word processing terminals and infections diseases.
Also to be included are more general issues such as the effects of fatigue associated with shiftwork, as well as violence in the workplace.
Mrs Henderson said the study would be completed by the end of 1993 and would lead to an information package on occupational health and safety relating to pregnant women.
