Under which circumstance must an employer monitor employees through a medical surveillance program?

An employer is required to implement a medical surveillance program when employees are exposed to airborne asbestos fibers at or above the permissible exposure limit (PEL). This regulation is in place because asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, including lung disease and cancer. Monitoring through a medical surveillance program allows for the early detection of asbestos-related conditions, ensuring that employees receive timely medical attention and that appropriate measures can be taken to protect their health.

The focus on the PEL is crucial as it establishes a threshold that indicates a significant risk of adverse health effects. If exposure exceeds this limit, it is essential for the employer to actively monitor the health of affected workers to mitigate health risks. In contrast, working with chemicals, engaging in manual labor, or handling non-toxic materials does not carry the same specific health risks associated with asbestos, nor do they trigger the same regulatory requirements for medical surveillance. Thus, monitoring is specifically tied to exposure levels to harmful substances like asbestos.