Crystalline silica has dangerous health consequences for employees when silica dust that is generated from ongoing work becomes airborne and is inhaled by employees. It is therefore paramount that employees are protected and have ongoing Crystalline Silica Medical examinations.
Melbourne Occupational Health Services offers the following Crystalline Silica Medicals:
- Pre-employment medical
- Periodic medical
- Post-employment medical
Pre-employment medical
A pre-employment baseline crystalline silica health monitoring medical sets the baseline medical fitness of the employee before undertaking a job that involves exposure or further exposure to crystalline silica and silica dust.
Periodic medical
Periodic crystalline silica health monitoring medicals are offered for employees exposed to silica. This periodic monitoring helps to detect silicosis, and early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) so that mechanisms can be put in place to prevent the employee from being further exposed to silica.
Post employment medical
Much like a pre-employment medical sets a baseline prior to, or from previous exposure to crystalline silica, when an employee’s tenure in a crystalline silica exposed working environment comes to an end, they are to undergo a post employment silica medical to assess their respiratory health.
Medical Appointment and Silica Checkup
At a minimum, the Crystalline Silica medical includes:
- Collection of demographic, medical and occupational history
- Records of personal exposure to crystalline silica or silica dust
- Respiratory questionnaire
- Respiratory function tests – a diminished lung function may be evidence of inflammatory lung disease caused by silicosis.
- Chest X-Ray to ILO standard read by a certified B Reader radiologist. This test examines the lungs, pleura, bony thoracic cavity, mediastinum, and great vessels.
Get in touch with the team today to find out how we can help with your Crystalline Silica Medical requirements or answer any questions you may have.
