Washington State University
SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

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Chemical Carcinogen Medical Surveillance

At no cost to the worker, WSU provides a chemical carcinogen medical surveillance program for all workers assigned to regulated areas. A medical surveillance program provides maximum protection for the health of laboratory and other personnel at risk of exposure to chemical carcinogens. The medical surveillance program includes preassessment of risk with an medical examination and subsequent medical examinations to evaluate the worker's medical condition.

WSU provides a medical examination to the worker prior to an assignment to a regulated area. The examination includes the personal history of the worker, the worker's family and occupational background, and the worker's genetic and environmental background.

The examining physician evaluates whether the particular worker may experience increased risk of disease by the exposure to specific chemical compounds considering other facts about the worker such as reduced immunological competence, specific treatments with steroids or cytotoxic agents, pregnancy, or the use of tobacco.

The examining physician conducts applicable genetic baseline tests as recommended by NIOSH.

The examining physical conducts medical tests and evaluations as proscribed for all carcinogens. This includes hematological studies, blood chemistry, urinalysis, chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, and evaluation of specific organ groups.

The examining physician certifies the worker's suitability for employment in the specific environment.

At least annually, a periodic physical examination and tests follow the preassignment examination.

The employee's personnel file (in the cognizant personnel office) includes a summary of the physician's evaluation and recommendations. (WAC 296-62-07314)

The examining physician maintains the official, complete medical records.

The employee personnel file retains the summaries of medical surveillance records for the term of employment. Upon termination of employment, including retirement or death, the personnel office forwards the summaries of the medical surveillance records, or notarized copies, by registered mail to the director of the Department of Labor and Industries. Contact EH&S for more information.

Upon written request, the personnel office or the physician's office supplies copies of the appropriate records to the worker, former worker, or a physician designated by the worker, the director of the Department of Labor and Industries, or a new employer.