A medical program provides medical evaluation of workers by a licensed health care professional. Medical programs include surveillance, vaccinations, and post exposure intervention. While prevention is the primary goal, medical programs are important for evaluating the effectiveness of control strategies. Medical programs are also important for post exposure diagnosis and treatment.
Occupational physicians and occupational health nurses are trained and board certified in the area of work-related injuries and illnesses. These practitioners have expertise in recognizing potential injuries and illnesses due to work and can be a valuable resource to the health and safety program. Particularly in preventing injuries and illnesses from occurring.
Recommendations
Review post-exposure protocol established under the bloodborne pathogens exposure control program: How well is this program working and have providers made recommendations to improve protection for employees?
Contact occupational health providers through the Cook County Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at 312-633-5310 or through the University of Illinois at Chicago Health Service at 312-996-7420 for more information about services and appointments.
Self Study
Read the scenario and answer the following questions:
a. Describe how a supervisor would direct workers to access the medical program.
b. What are the consequences of this exposure to workers and employers?
c. What changes need to be made in the health and safety program to prevent exposures in the future?
