Reassessment

If the initial testing shows levels of cadmium above the levels considered safe, then the employer is required by law to reassess the employee's cadmium exposure within two weeks of receiving the test results. This reassessment must include work practices, respirator use, a detailed smoking history, an assessment of personal hygiene and hygiene facilities, and the engineering controls put in place by the employer. If the employer finds any problems, Cal/OSHA requires that the problems be addressed within 30 days.

After the initial testing, any employee who shows biological levels exceeding what is allowed must receive a full medical evaluation within 90 days. The examining physician is responsible for deciding to medically remove the employee at this point. If the employee is allowed to continue working, biological monitoring will be required every six months in addition to the annual medical exam. If during the initial and follow-up testing, an employee shows results above the cadmium trigger levels, medical removal is mandatory. If an employee is medically removed, the employer is responsible for finding another job for the worker that pays the same wage.

To learn more about Cadmium Safety visit our Cadmium Safety Online Training web page.