What Are The Most Common Occupational Health Tests?

Occupational Health Testing ensures that each employee is able to complete bona fide work requirements in a safe manner. But what are the most common Occupational Health Tests? The selection of tests depends on the safety-sensitive position, the industry, and the location the employee works in. There are many health tests that are common across the nation including audiometric and respiratory tests. We will look further into these below:

Audiometric Testing

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety defines audiometric testing as a type of hearing test that “establishes a baseline measurement of the worker’s hearing and then repeats the testing at regular intervals to determine if there are any changes in the worker’s ability to hear.” Introducing audiometric testing into a workplace helps identify immediate hearing limitations. These limitations may present a risk to individuals operating in safety-sensitive roles.

Noise can be a serious health hazard. Noise-induced hearing loss is the leading non-fatal occupational disease claim in Canada. Having prolonged exposure to noise can lead to permanent hearing loss. This is one of the reasons why there are provincial guidelines for hearing conservation programs.

Audiometric testing helps discover early indications of noise-induced hearing loss. When an employer implements an ongoing surveillance program they’re protecting their employees throughout their tenure. Hearing loss happens gradually and employees often fail to notice changes in their hearing ability. When organizations identify hearing loss early it makes it possible to prevent further damage. This also helps motivate people to follow hearing protection measures. In many workplaces, the ability to hear can prevent accidents from occurring.

The audiogram offered by CannAmm takes twenty minutes to half an hour to complete. It consists of the following five parts:

• Part 1: Consent for release of clinical information both past and present.
• Part 2: Documentation of a comprehensive noise exposure history and current hearing status. This includes a check for recent loud noise exposure and a physical examination of the ear.
• Part 3: Technician testing at six different frequencies at various decibel levels (loudness).
• Part 4: CannAmm’s physicians review the history and clinical information to determine testing status. If required, they provide intervention.
• Part 5: Secure and confidential reporting of the final testing status. This is always provided to the authorized company representative.

Proactive employers take steps to address noise exposure. This achieves greater financial success and operational stability, and promotes a culture of productivity and safety.

Respiratory Testing

Respiratory tests are a collection of evaluations that measure how efficiently the body moves oxygen from the air into the lungs and throughout the body. The two most common tests in respiratory testing are pulmonary function tests (PFTs), also known as spirometry, and mask fit testing.

A pulmonary function test measures how well the lungs take in and release air and move gases from the atmosphere into the body. The PFT assesses the effects of toxic substances on the lungs, checks the suitability of wearing self-contained breathing equipment, and assesses whether people are fit to occupy strenuous positions. The PFT is common in ongoing exposure surveillance programs. The PFT offered by CannAmm includes:

• Obtaining a blood pressure reading,
• Documenting a comprehensive substance exposure history and health history,
• Determining current lung function status by checking for recent symptoms and recent exposure.

Mask fit testing assesses the degree of protection or seal of a given mask size. This is according to the acceptable standards set out by the manufacturer. The mask fit test ensures the personal protective equipment fits well enough to protect the worker from hazardous exposure. The mask fit test offered by CannAmm consists of:

• Measuring the mask seal during various breathing rates, head positions, and body positions. The seal is also evaluated during speech.
• A secure and confidential report of all mask fit testing results.

Interested in discovering more Occupational Health Tests or learning more about these services? Connect with a member from our CannAmm team today! We’d be happy to go over the details of your organizational health and safety needs. Call us toll-free today at 800.440.0023 to connect with one of our representatives.

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/audiometric_testing.html