Medical Surveillance Requirements

Purpose

The Occupational Medical Monitoring Program is designed for the protection of APHIS employees who are exposed to hazardous chemicals, biologicals, radioactive materials, and hazards such as noise, which could be harmful to their health and welfare.  Occupational medical monitoring specified under the program is an added safeguard and does not replace the need to work in an environment which limits exposure to the hazardous material.

Medical monitoring is done specifically to determine the exposure risks to a hazardous material or other inordinate hazards and should not be used by employees in lieu of a complete physical examination by a physician.  These examinations also do not replace the use of an industrial hygienist who may be needed to determine levels of exposure and recommend methods of limiting exposure to the hazard.

Medical monitoring in itself does not prevent illness or injury, though it may contribute directly to prevention.  In most situations, health monitoring is performed to secure maximum preventive benefits at minimal cost and inconvenience.  As with all medical monitoring, the opportunity for education of the employee is one of the major benefits.