What are pregnancy-relevant biological agents in the workplace?

According to Section 10 of the MuSchG (Maternity Protection Act), employers must identify and assess all possible work-related hazards that could affect pregnant or breastfeeding women or their children as part of the risk assessment required by Section 5 of the ArbSchG. We have already outlined the general regulations for activities and working conditions involving exposure to biological agents in accordance with Sections 11 (2) and 12 (2) of the MuSchG in the AGCT Genetic Engineering report . 08/2024 explained. But which biological agents are explicitly relevant to pregnancy and what specific dangers do they pose? The Committee for Maternity Protection (AfMu), established in 2018, provides valuable assistance in answering this question . Its tasks include assessing the type, extent and duration of any potentially irresponsible risk in the workplace, including from biological agents. The results of the AfMu are published in the form of rules (MuSchR), recommendations (MuSchE) and background papers. The background paper written by the AfMu, "Information on the relevance of infectious agents in Germany from the perspective of maternity protection ," serves as an aid to employers in assessing potential infection risks. On 110 pages, it contains a comprehensive introduction with relevant background information and detailed profiles of biological agents that are considered relevant to pregnancy in this country. The fact sheets summarize the characteristics of the respective infectious agent, the course of infections and illnesses caused by it in general, particularly in pregnant women, fetuses, and newborns, the possibility of transmission through breastfeeding, and possible prevention options. It is important to note that, unlike the AfMu rules (MuSchR), background documents provide reliable information, but their implementation does not automatically mean that employers fulfill their legal obligations with regard to the requirements of the MuSchG. We will examine which maternity protection regulations apply in the event of exposure to hazardous substances in the upcoming issue of the AGCT Genetic Engineering reports .