ABSTRACT
Laboratory personnel can be exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals, safety hazards, and physical hazards. Therefore, a sound medical examination and consultation program is essential to assess and monitor workers’ fitness and health both prior to employment and during the course of work; to provide emergency and other treatment as needed; and to keep accurate records for future references. A medical examination and consultation program is the cornerstone of an effective health and safety management system. The success of any medical examination and consultation program depends both on management support and employee involvement. The objectives of pre-employment medical examination are to determine a prospective employee’s fitness for duty, including the ability to work while wearing personal protective equipment, and to provide baseline information for comparison with future medical data. Periodic medical examination and consultation must be developed and used in conjunction with pre-employment medical examination.
