Silica Exposure & Pregnancy: Workplace Safety Concerns for Expectant Mothers

Question
I am 26 years old, have 3 children at home, and the first day of my last cycle was around the 27th of August.  
My question is this. . . I work in a plant where we produce quartz countertops.  It isn't the cleanest environment in the world. . . . I'm wondering if I should request to be moved into an office for the duration of my pregnancy because of my constant exposure to silica.  Also, I'm wondering if I should be driving the forklift and operating an overhead crane.  

Answer
Although exposure to silica or quartz will not cause harm to your fetus, it may be dangerous to you to ihhale any toxic or caustic material. You can, of course, continue driving a forklift or operating a crane, but remember that your balance will change during pregnancy and try not to place yourself in any situation where you can fall, get dizzy, or have some other problem. It couldn't hurt to ask for office work for the duration of the pregnancy.