Medical Removal Plan

When a physician refers an employee to a hematologist or internist, the employer should remove the employee from any work areas where the employee's exposure to benzene may exceed the action level. This removal should remain in place until the hematologist or internist makes a determination about the employee's condition.

After a hematologist or internist has performed an examination, he or she should consult with the physician to determine whether to remove an employee from areas where benzene exposure is higher than the action level or to allow the employee to return. The final decision should be communicated in writing, and in the case of removal, the physician should state the required duration of removal and the requirements for future medical examinations.

The employer should provide a follow-up examination for any employee who is removed from his or her job due to health concerns. In consultation with the hematologist or internist, the physician should make a decision within six months of the removal as to whether the employee should be returned to the former job or be removed permanently.

Whenever an employee is removed from benzene exposure based on a physician's recommendation, the employer should transfer the employee to a comparable job where benzene exposures are as low as possible, and never higher than the action level.

To learn more about Benzene Safety visit our Cal/OSHA Benzene Safety Online Training web page.