Medical Surveillance Program - Content of Medical Examinations

OSHA requires that "all medical examinations and procedures shall be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician, preferably one knowledgeable in occupational medicine, and shall be provided without cost to the employee, without loss of pay, and at a reasonable time and place."

Medical examinations shall include a medical and work history (or updated history if one is in the employee's file) with "special emphasis on symptoms related to the handling of hazardous substances and health hazards, and to fitness for duty including the ability to wear any required PPE under conditions (such as temperature extremes) that may be expected at the work site."

The employer must provide the physician with the following:

• A copy of CFR 1910.120 and its appendices (this code covers respiratory protection)
• A description of the employee's duties as they relate to the employee's exposures
• The employee's exposure levels or anticipated exposure levels
• A description of any personal protective equipment the employee used (or should use)
• Information from previous medical examinations of the employee that may not be readily available to the examining physician
• The Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities

It is up to the attending physician to decide what contents of the medical examinations or consultations will be made available to employees.

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