special subjects
Overview of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Screening and Surveillance of Workers
OEM doctors provide medical screening and surveillance of workers in workplaces with potential exposures to hazardous substances. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issues standards for such screening and surveillance. Medical screeningis a one-time evaluation, typically before the worker is hired. Screening is done to detect illness or dysfunction before a person seeks medical care. For example, doctors may screen people who may be at high risk of certain conditions. Medical surveillanceinvolves periodic evaluations of one or more workers over time to monitor their risks when they are exposed to potential workplace hazards that require specific preventive measures. Depending on the substance involved, screening, surveillance, or both may be done. 