26 In a Sector where a large proportion of pesticide applicators are women, a trend that is common across the agricultural sector in developing nations, the additional suite of hazards posed to pregnant women, their foetuses and breastfeeding infants that result from the use of chemical pesticides, needs careful consideration and proactive management. Only through identifying, understanding, and mitigating these hazards, and reducing exposure to them, can we nullify the potential risk they pose. Protecting pregnant and breastfeeding women (and subsequently their unborn foetuses and breastfeeding infants) is mandatory by law. It is legislated under the Code of Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child, from this point referred to as The Code, which is in accordance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act No. 75 of 1997. The Code lays out a string of pre-emptive requirements for the employer, as well as a list of requirements once an employee has notified them of a pregnancy. To help Forestry South Africa members navigate this, FSA’s Timber Industry Pesticide Working Group (TIPWG) has produced a guidance document with illustrative infographics (Figures One to Three). While all employers are responsible for familiarising themselves with The Code and the legal requirements it sets out, the FSA Guidance document provides a handy addition to The Code that will help employers navigate it. The FSA Guidance document has been reviewed by Dr A du R Louw (M.B., Ch.B.; M. Fam. Med.; M.B.A.; D.O.H. Specialist Family Physician & Occupational Medical Practitioner) and will be updated periodically when and if required. The infographics provide a checklist of considerations that employers will need to implement through policies and procedures, training and record keeping. It should, however, be stressed that employers need to familiarise themselves with The Code prior to using the infographics to ensure the measures taken suit their unique circumstances. It is important to note the infographic compliments and simplifies The Code and should at all times be considered along with The Code.The FSA Guidance document can be downloaded from both the FSA and TIPWG websites. There are also links to The Code and Basic Conditions of Employment Act No. 75 of 1997 on the websites. We urge all employers to familiarise themselves with this. New Guidelines for the Protection of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women – Jacqui Meyer, TIPWG Coordinator –
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