Medical clearances play an important role in employee health. Having employees medically cleared for their specific job task helps identify any specific health needs or conditions of your workforce which may require management, monitoring or additional follow-up.
While this may seem simple enough, the process may not be as easy as you think. Staying compliant with OSHA requirements can be tricky, time-consuming and expensive. Following are different types of required clearances and how Examinetics can help keep your workforce safe and compliant.
Respirator Clearance
According to OSHA 1910.134, any respirator-wearing worker must be medically evaluated and cleared before wearing a facepiece on the job. Too often, this pivotal step is ignored or insufficiently fulfilled resulting in poor respiratory protection and an unprotected workforce. In fact, OSHA consistently ranks respiratory protection in their Top 5 most frequently cited standards.
Respiratory protection violations are particularly present in industries such as mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, chemical manufacturing, transportation and warehousing.
Fortunately, this typically time-consuming process can become quick and easy with online respirator clearance evaluations. This clearance process - using a questionnaire designed by medical professionals - eliminates offsite clinic visits and minimizes lost productivity. Your employees can stay onsite and get immediate results after completing a medical questionnaire that takes 15-20 minutes.
Chemical Exposures
On worksites throughout the U.S., across numerous industries, workers are exposed to various chemicals, elements and substances which may complicate and jeopardize their health. Construction workers battle asbestos and silica dust, while manufacturing employees may face arsenic, cadmium, benzene or hexavalent chromium. Cotton dust is a common problem for workers in the textile industry. When untested, these exposures are dangerous to your workforce.
OSHA has medical surveillance requirements for nearly 30 types of exposures. Following these requirements ensures that workforces minimize exposure while staying compliant with occupational compliance laws. In addition to hazardous material, some of the specific exposure standards include:
• Lead
• Silica
• Formaldehyde
• Arsenic
• Benzene
• Cadmium
• Cotton Dust
• Hexavalent Chromium
• Methylene Chloride
• Acrylonitrile
• Vinyl Chloride
Typically, these medical clearances involve physicals measuring blood pressure, BMI and heart rate, as well as additional services such as hearing and vision tests, biometric screening, pulmonary function tests and x-ray or b-read to monitor employee health.
First Responders
First responders, such as fire fighters, EMT and police are those on the frontline protecting us against harm. As first on the scene, they can be exposed to many types of dangers. A 2016 study from NIOSH shows that cancer is the most prominent cause of death among first responders. With such hands-on demands and potential dangers, excellent physical health is essential for all first responders.
The National Fire Protection Association is a codes and standards organization devoted to eliminating injury from fire, electrical and related hazards. NFPA standard 1582 applies to firefighters and calls for a medical surveillance program designed for their specific risks.
Examinetics can help your fire department with annual medical exams including:
• Physical examination
• Blood chemistry
• Urinalysis
• Pulmonary function test
• Chest X-ray
• EKG and cardiac stress tests
• Infectious disease and cancer screening
• Hearing test
• Vision test
• Vaccinations (as needed)
Additionally, there’s strict protocol for all first responders when hazardous materials are present. Contagious pathogens, spilled chemicals or vehicle toxins are just a few examples of hazardous materials first responders may come across in their work. As mentioned, annual respirator medical clearance and respirator fit testing are mandatory for those wearing respiratory protection.
Heavy machinery
Operators of heavy machinery, such as cranes, forklifts and other powered industrial vehicles need special on-the-job training. As an integral part of their job, heavy machinery operators need to be alert and well-trained, but also healthy and physically fit to complete their duties well.
OSHA recommends a certain a standard of physical fitness and health for those operating powered industrial trucks. For instance, workers with a history of epilepsy, heart disease or colorblindness are discouraged from operating heavy machinery. Workers’ medical background – such as history of seizure, diabetes, musculoskeletal issues, cardiovascular history & symptoms – needs to be investigated.
Examinetics offers a medical clearance for crane operators, forklift operators, heavy equipment operators and mobile equipment operators. These tests include:
• Physical Examination
• Hearing testing
• Vision testing
• Urinalysis
• Blood pressure
How Examinetics can help you
Our services are dependable and convenient. Our respirator clearance process is completed online, and our physical clearance exams are delivered and performed at your location. Testing and clearances are monitored by licensed physicians and certified technicians and take place in our mobile medical units.
For more information regarding our clearance services or to request a quote, contact us today.
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This is business-to-business information intended for EHS (environmental health and safety) professionals and not intended for the final consumer. Companies should check the local regulatory status of any claim according to their individual needs, requirements and intended use.