What condition would prompt an employer to require a medical surveillance program for their workers?

Requiring a medical surveillance program for workers is particularly relevant in situations involving exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a known hazardous material that poses severe health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. When workers are engaged in activities that might expose them to asbestos, monitoring their health becomes crucial to early detection of potential diseases related to asbestos exposure.

A medical surveillance program typically includes regular health check-ups and specific medical evaluations designed to monitor the health of employees who are at risk due to their work environment. This proactive approach ensures that any potential health issues are identified early, and appropriate action can be taken to safeguard the workers' well-being.

In contrast, while injuries from falls, working with heavy machinery, and inadequate safety gear pose significant safety concerns, they do not specifically relate to the long-term health impact that asbestos exposure causes. Therefore, those situations might have their own safety protocols but do not necessitate a specialized medical surveillance program focused on monitoring for conditions related to chronic exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos.