HAZWOPER HAZWOPER Medical Surveillance & Health Monitoring 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, which employees are required to participate in a medical surveillance program?
- Only employees who have been previously exposed to hazardous substances
- Employees exposed to hazardous substances above action levels or PELs for 30 days or more per year, and emergency responders (Correct answer)
- All employees at any facility regardless of exposure
- Only supervisors and managers at hazardous waste sites
Correct answer: Employees exposed to hazardous substances above action levels or PELs for 30 days or more per year, and emergency responders
HAZWOPER medical surveillance is required for employees exposed above action levels or PELs for 30+ days per year, those who wear respirators for 30+ days, and certain emergency responders.
Question 2: How frequently must medical examinations be provided to employees covered under HAZWOPER medical surveillance?
- Every 6 months without exception
- Before assignment, annually during assignment, upon termination or reassignment, and after significant exposure incidents (Correct answer)
- Only when a worker reports symptoms of illness
- Once at the start of employment and never again
Correct answer: Before assignment, annually during assignment, upon termination or reassignment, and after significant exposure incidents
HAZWOPER requires medical exams prior to assignment, at least annually, at reassignment or termination, and whenever a worker has experienced significant hazardous substance exposure.
Question 3: What must the physician or licensed health care professional (PLHCP) provide after conducting a HAZWOPER medical examination?
- A detailed report of all medical findings shared directly with the employer
- A written opinion stating any medical conditions that may place the worker at increased risk and fitness-for-duty determination (Correct answer)
- A list of medications the worker must take before re-entering hazardous areas
- A copy of the worker's complete medical history
Correct answer: A written opinion stating any medical conditions that may place the worker at increased risk and fitness-for-duty determination
The PLHCP must provide a written opinion that includes any conditions that may place the worker at increased risk, recommended limitations, and a fitness-for-duty determination.
Question 4: Who pays for medical examinations required under the HAZWOPER medical surveillance program?
- The employee through their personal health insurance
- The employer, at no cost to the employee (Correct answer)
- Federal government through OSHA grants
- A shared cost between employer and employee
Correct answer: The employer, at no cost to the employee
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 requires the employer to provide all required medical examinations at no cost to the employee, including during working hours or with paid time off.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of medical surveillance in a HAZWOPER program?
- To document incidents for legal liability protection only
- To detect health effects of occupational exposures early and prevent further harm to workers (Correct answer)
- To identify workers who are eligible for worker's compensation claims
- To satisfy insurance company requirements
Correct answer: To detect health effects of occupational exposures early and prevent further harm to workers
Medical surveillance detects early signs of health effects from hazardous substance exposures, enabling early intervention to prevent progression of occupational illness.
Question 6: Under HAZWOPER, when must an unscheduled (non-routine) medical examination be provided to an employee?
- Only when the employee requests one in writing
- After any event where the employee may have been overexposed to hazardous substances or experienced signs or symptoms of exposure (Correct answer)
- Only at the end of a work contract
- When the employer decides it is convenient
Correct answer: After any event where the employee may have been overexposed to hazardous substances or experienced signs or symptoms of exposure
HAZWOPER requires unscheduled medical examinations following any event involving potential overexposure or when a worker develops signs or symptoms that may be related to hazardous substance exposure.
HAZWOPER HAZWOPER Medical Surveillance & Health Monitoring 1
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, which employees are required to participate in a medical surveillance program?