Workplace Safety

Midwifery training and work inherently involve a variety of occupational hazards. Like other community-based healthcare workers, midwives often work alone and in unfamiliar settings. They can be exposed to safety hazards that can cause accidents and physical injury, as well as health hazards, which, over time, can make someone sick. These occupational exposures can add strain, when a midwife may already face violence, harassment or discrimination based on race, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation or religion. The AOM takes midwives safety very seriously and has developed a number of resources to support midwives navigating various risks and hazards ‘on the job.’ The College of Midwives of Ontario also has resources specific for midwives. There may also be additional resources and supports available through the hospital where midwives are privileged or another employment site such as a community health centre, if applicable. Not every risk can be completely eliminated, but most can be addressed proactively. Midwives with questions about a specific risk of concern are encouraged to contact the AOM OnCall.

If you are looking for support regarding a specific topic, see:

Occupational Health & Safety | Psychological Safety

Services

AOM OnCall: provides individualized advice available for midwives trying to make determinations regarding workplace safety, balancing personal risk and professional obligations.
Indigenous Midwifery Department: provides individualized advice available for Indigenous midwives navigating a variety of practice settings and work environments.
Health Equity, Quality & Human Rights Department: provides individualized advice available for midwives navigating a variety of practice settings and work environments.
Legal Expense Insurance: offers legal advice and coverage to address power imbalances and inequities within partnership and employment structures for midwives.
AOM Benefits Trust: supports the financial, physical, and mental wellbeing of plan members and their families throughout their lives.