Medical Monitoring

Workers employed in certain hazardous occupations are required under the Workplace Safety and Health (Medical Examinations) Regulations to undergo specific medical examinations. This ensures that they are fit and continue to remain fit for such work. The medical examination and tests allow early detection of workers with occupational disease, and ensures that workers remain fit for such work. Workers’ medical monitoring also helps gauge the effectiveness of existing control measures.

The medical examinations required by the Workplace Safety and Health (Medical Examinations) Regulations are not "general checkups". They are specific to the type of hazard involved, and must be conducted by Designated Workplace Doctors registered with the Ministry of Manpower.

The types and frequency of examinations are specified in the Regulations. For most hazards, the medical examinations are to be carried out once a year. In some cases, the frequency may be six monthly or less. To ensure accuracy of results, toxicological laboratories should subscribe to a quality assurance scheme for the analyte tested and audio-metric technicians conducting hearing tests should undergo training in an acceptable course. The results of medical monitoring reflects the adequacy of control measures to safeguard the health of employees.

Exemption from the Regulations may be given if exposure to the hazard is negligible.

Prescribed Hazards Requiring Medical Examinations under the Workplace Safety and Health (Medical Examinations) Regulations

• Summary Report of Examinations
• Register of Workers exposed to a hazard
• Certificate of Suspension
• Certificate of Fitness
• Application for Exemption
• Draft and Returned Submissions (Medical)