Workplace Hazards and Birth Defects: What Every Employee Should Know

Birth Defects

Understanding what can cause a birth defect isn’t just important for families—it’s essential for creating safe workplaces. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warns that certain job-related exposures can put pregnant workers and their unborn children at risk. From toxic chemicals to unsafe conditions, workplace causes of birth defects are serious but preventable.

What Causes Birth Defects at Work?

Many workplace hazards can interfere with fetal development. The most common risks include:

  • Toxic chemicals such as solvents like benzene, pesticides, lead and mercury
  • Physical hazards like radiation, excessive heat or long hours of standing
  • Organic solvents found in paints, glues or cleaning agents

It’s not only about direct exposure. Poor ventilation, inadequate protective equipment and a lack of training can increase risks and make a dangerous situation worse.

Preventing Birth Defects and Causes: Employer Responsibilities

Employers have both a legal and moral duty to safeguard pregnant employees. In California, workplace safety is regulated by OSHA and state laws, which require employers to:

  • Conduct risk assessments to identify hazards
  • Provide protective equipment (PPE) when exposures can’t be eliminated
  • Offer training so workers understand potential risks and safe practices
  • Accommodate pregnant workers with modified duties or reassignment when needed

Failure to follow these rules can expose employers to serious consequences—including fines and lawsuits. If an employer’s negligence leads to birth defects or pregnancy complications, they may face civil liability.

Steps Pregnant Workers Can Take

While employers must provide a safe workplace, pregnant workers should also take proactive steps to protect themselves:

  • Identify potential exposures at work and discuss them with a healthcare provider
  • Inform employers about pregnancy early so accommodations can be made
  • Request safer duties if necessary to avoid harmful chemicals or conditions
  • Use protective equipment and report unsafe conditions right away

Pregnant employees should pay attention to symptoms that may signal harmful chemical exposure, such as dizziness, nausea or skin irritation.

Legal Protections and Resources

California law provides strong protections for pregnant workers. The Pregnancy Disability Leave Law ensures employees cannot be discriminated against for pregnancy and are entitled to a safe working environment.

The CDPH’s Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS) also provides resources to help workers learn about potential hazards and report unsafe conditions.

Protecting Families

Workplace causes of birth defects are preventable—but only when both employers and workers take action. Employers must uphold safety standards, and workers should speak up about risks. When companies fail to protect their employees, the consequences can be devastating for families.

Holding negligent employers accountable not only helps families recover but also ensures safer conditions for others.

How We Help Victims of Toxic Exposure

Our birth defect litigation attorneys understand the pain that families face when coping with life-altering birth defects caused by toxic exposure—and the frustration of knowing they could have been prevented. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience in birth defects litigation in cases involving semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, pesticides, and energy production. We have the resources and experience to fight on behalf of our clients against corporations that put them in danger. Contact us to see how we can help you and your family receive justice for birth defects.