Employee Exposure & Medical Records

The term "medical surveillance" refers to the analysis of worker health information to look for problems in the workplace that may require targeted prevention. Thus, surveillance serves as a feedback loop to the employer. OSHA requires medical surveillance, sometimes in the form of pre-placement exams, periodic exams, exposure tests, x-rays, and more, for employees who use or are exposed to certain substances.

Cal/OSHA requires a medical surveillance program for all employees who participate in any class of asbestos work for thirty or more days per year. Other requirements included in these regulations are as follows:

• Employees required to wear a negative pressure respirator must be deemed physically able to do so by a physician.
• If an employee performs any class of asbestos work for thirty days or more, a medical examination must be given within ten days of the last working day.
• Employees must have access to medical examinations at no cost to the employee.

To learn more about Asbestos Awareness visit our Cal/OSHA Asbestos Awareness Online Training web page.