Examples of Medical Screening

Employers must provide screening for all employees who will (or might) come into contact with potentially dangerous chemicals or substances. You also learned that the required medical screening for employees will vary depending on the types of chemicals the employee will (or might) come into contact with.

The OSHA document Medical Screening and Surveillance Requirements in OSHA Standards: A Guide is a quick guide, based on specific chemicals, provides information regarding what screening tests and exams are required for employees working with various chemicals.

Examples of the types of exams, tests, and records that may be required - depending on the chemical(s) the employee might come into contact with - include the following:

• Pre-placement exams, which must occur prior to the employee working with the particular chemical
• Periodic exams, which could be required annually, bi-annually, or at other intervals
• Exams and tests following an emergency or hazardous exposure
• Exams required upon employee termination
• Exams that focus on certain parts of the body (for example, the respiratory system, skin, or eyes)
• Work and medical history reports
• Chest x-rays
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
• Tests to evaluate an employee's ability to wear a respirator
• Medical opinions (written by the physician)
• Any other required tests that are specific to a particular chemical or substance

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