5 - Developing and Administering a Medical Surveillance Program

Abstract

A medical surveillance program is a system put in place to make sure that the level of health expertise identified in the safety program is sufficient. One's medical surveillance program is an important part of one's safety program. It can help to deliver services aimed at evaluating hazards that can cause injuries, at recognizing and treating injuries, and at limiting their severity. The determination of the appropriate services needs one to consider the specific needs of one's site, such as the type of process and materials that one's employees work with and the resulting or potential hazards, the type of facilities where the employees work, the number of workers at each site, and the characteristics of the workforce including age, gender, cultural background, and educational level. In addition, one needs to consider the location of each operation and its proximity to a medical provider. The medical provider should be trained, experienced, and certified in the identification, treatment, rehabilitation of injuries, and must be familiar with the applicable Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regulations and record keeping requirements. An early-return-to-work program should be in place at the facility..