What is the primary purpose of the medical surveillance program in a written safety and health program?

The primary purpose of the medical surveillance program within a written safety and health program is to provide health assessments and track worker health. Medical surveillance is designed to monitor the health of employees who may be exposed to workplace hazards, ensuring that any potential harmful effects of such exposures are identified early. This proactive approach allows for the tracking of health trends over time, ensuring that preventive measures can be implemented to protect workers.

By conducting regular health assessments, the program can evaluate the effectiveness of safety protocols and workplace conditions, adjusting them as needed based on observed health outcomes. This emphasis on ongoing health monitoring is vital for identifying issues before they lead to serious health problems, thereby fostering a safer workplace environment.