Who can conduct examinations
You need to send your workers to approved doctors for their medical examinations:
• Medical examinations must be conducted by a designated workplace doctor.
• For noise hazards, hearing tests must be conducted by audiometric technicians trained in audiometric screening.
• For chemical hazards, toxicological laboratories should have a quality assurance scheme for the test being done.
How often are examinations required
The tests and their frequency depend on the hazard involved:
• Generally, a worker needs to go for an examination within 3 months of starting work.
• After that, the worker has to undergo regular medical examinations once a year.
• For workers exposed to lead or organophosphates, the frequency is once in6 months.
• For workers exposed to asbestos or silica, the frequency is once every 3 years.
For details on the frequency and types of tests, refer to the Schedule of theWorkplace Safety and Health (Medical Examinations) Regulations.
Exemptions
Under certain circumstances, you may be able to apply for an exemption from medical monitoring.
Required reports
Your company will need to submit the following reports for medical monitoring:
• Summary report of examinations - overview of the medical findings, including abnormal results, if applicable.
• Register of workers exposed to a hazard - employees whose work puts them in contact with hazards, and their ongoing test results.
• Certificate of suspension - remove an employee from exposure to a hazard.
• Certificate of fitness - return an employee to work when the doctor deems them fit.
Submit a summary report of examinations for medical monitoring
Companies are required to submit a summary of the medical examinations for workers who have been exposed to occupational hazards.