Medical Removal

If a worker's blood lead level exceeds 50 micrograms per deciliter at any point, his or her employer must give the worker a second blood test within two weeks. If the second test also indicates a blood lead level that exceeds 50 micrograms per deciliter, the employer must remove the worker from any position that could expose the worker to lead above the action level. This must be done without lowering the worker's earnings, seniority, or benefits. Medical removal can last for up to eighteen months, or as long as the lead-involving job lasts. During the worker's medical removal, employers must offer the worker blood monitoring at least once per month. It is important to note that in any case where medical removal is required, respirators cannot be used as a substitute for removal.

A worker may also be removed if a doctor determines that he or she needs to reduce his or her exposure level for other medical reasons. If this is the case, the worker must only return to that position when a doctor says it is safe.

A worker is not required to participate in any of the follow-up medical surveillance during a medical removal, but if the worker refuses to participate, the worker may lose his or her medical removal benefits.

To learn more about Construction Lead Exposure visit our Cal/OSHA Construction Lead Exposure Online Training web page.