Taiwan expands maternal health rules to smaller firms

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Labor (MOL) announced on Friday (June 28) that starting July 1, companies with 50 to 99 employees must have a doctor assess and adjust the work of pregnant women or those within a year postpartum if their tasks could potentially harm maternal health. The ministry also called for the establishment of a maternal health protection plan.

New Regulations for Maternal Health Protection

According to the current regulations, businesses of a specific size must assess, control, and manage tasks that could potentially harm maternal health. They must also have a physician evaluate pregnant or postpartum women and adopt measures such as job adjustment or replacement to protect their health.

Chang Kuo-ming (張國明), the head of the Occupational Hygiene and Health Division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), told Central News Agency (CNA) that the threshold for the measures has been lowered from businesses with over 100 employees to those with 50 to 99. This change, set to take effect on July 1, aligns with the regulations of enterprises with more than 50 to 99 staff to hire medical staff.

Impact and Enforcement
Chang estimates that nearly a thousand businesses will be affected by this regulation. He said the ministry is considering holding seminars to help these businesses comply with the new rules.

Chang further noted that businesses violating the law could face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$300,000.