Workplace Medical Testing

Our Alberta registered technicians have a full understanding of hearing conservation and legislated requirements for noise under OH&S (Occupational Health and Safety) standards. Our Audiometric Program includes assessment, worker education and orientation to noise levels, and the use of personal protective equipment. Audio tests are reviewed by our in house MRO (Medical Review Officer)/physician.

Along with our in house audiometric testing we are also proud to offer a fully equipped mobile unit, complete with two sound booths. Each sound booth is in its own private office to help maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the employee being tested. Please call us for further information on booking the mobile unit for your site job.

Medico Mobile Inc. also offers custom molded hearing protection that can be done both in office and on site depending on your needs as an employer. Each set of custom fitted hearing protection is exclusive to the user and will not fit any other user. They are meant to fit you so that they provide the maximum protection to the client while being as comfortable as possible. They are incredibly easy to maintain and keep clean, and they also come in a variety of colors and 3 different levels of protection depending on your noise exposure and usage.

There are two types of audiometric testing, baseline testing and periodic testing. A baseline test is the first audiometric test that is done when the employee starts with the company. The baseline test must be completed within six months of beginning employment with the company.

The first periodic test is done 12 months after the baseline test was conducted. Subsequent periodic tests are conducted every 24 months thereafter. There are a few exceptions to these rules:

• Annual testing must be conducted if the results of past tests are abnormal for that employee
• If the noise exposure level exceeds 110 dB, testing must be completed twice per year

Medico Mobile Inc. uses a secure software program to electronically track each employee’s audiometric history with the company. This program allows Medico Mobile Inc. to easily track and monitor an employees’ audiometric history with the company. This program can help determine if the policies and procedures for hearing conservation in place are working, or if the right type of hearing protection is being used effectively.

It is important that employees be aware of when, why and how to use their hearing protection. This encourages compliance and a healthy work environment. The Occupational Health and Safety Code provides tables to help employers determine when and what kind of hearing protection is required. According to these tables, exposure to noise at 85 decibels for 8 hours is permissible without the use of hearing protection. As noise level increases by 3 decibels, however, the amount of time permissible to be exposed is reduced.

For example:

A heavy duty vehicle at 90 decibels is permissible for 2 hours, otherwise the risk of permanent hearing loss, with repeated exposure, is present. Some other good examples of noise levels are: a vacuum is 80 decibels, an ambulance siren is 120 decibels, and normal conversation is 60 decibels.

In accordance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations our registered technicians conduct spirometry (pulmonary function) testing. All pulmonary function tests are reviewed by our in house MRO (Medical Review Officer)/physician.

Pulmonary function testing (a.k.a. spirometry testing) is a screening test for lung function health. It measures the rate of airflow and the volume of air moved through the lungs to identify the possible presence of restrictive or obstructive disease.

Our certified technicians and nurses will complete an employee medical and occupational history for past and present exposure to hazardous materials, encourage the employees to perform the test to the best of their ability and explain the results of the test to each employee. Employees are provided with a requisition for a chest x-ray and referred to their family doctor if any concerns arise.

The main focus of this testing is to:

• Assist in the appropriate placement of workers
• Detect disease at any early stage
• Indirectly identify respiratory hazards
• Reduce employee suffering due to exposure

The Occupational Health and Safety Code has requirements for exposure to hazardous materials and can provide valuable information on exposure limits and proper personal protective equipment.

Some important requirements for employees, when they come for their testing to be done are:

• The employee must not smoke cigarettes or use an aerosolized bronchodilator (like an emergency inhaler) for 1hour before testing
• The employee should not eat a heavy meal for 1 hour prior to testing
• A 3-week recovery period is required from illness such as a cold or flu, bronchitis or pneumonia
• A 3-month recovery period is required after having surgery to the head, chest or abdomen