General Guideline Principles for Exposure Assessment
for workers compensation patients

The New York State workers compensation board has developed these guidelines to help physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate treatment for Exposure Assessment.

These Workers Compensation Board guidelines are intended to assist healthcare professionals in making decisions regarding the appropriate level of care for their patients with ankle and foot disorders.

The guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgement or professional experience. The ultimate decision regarding care must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her healthcare provider.

Exposure Assessment of Occupational Work Related Asthma

Material Safety Statistics Sheets (MSDSs), data on industrial hygiene, company records, and records of union health and safety personnel can all provide information on workplace exposures.

Generally, at the minimum one source of actual detailed information is needed for the assessment of instances with reckoning occupational asthma.

The MSDS is typically the first place to look for information, though sensitizing compounds with low concentrations might not be included and could need to be identified by calling the manufacturer’s technical support. Publications of literature could also be useful.
It is crucial to confirm:

• All known exposures to chemicals or compounds in any environment, including vapors, gas, dust, fumes, and aerosols, especially those that are known or suspected asthmagens.

• Room dimensions, ventilation, past, and present PPE use, coworker reports, exhaust hoods, remodeling, recently changed processes, and industrial hygiene reports have all been recorded in the workplace (if available).

• If available, MSDSs from the makers of the materials used should be reviewed for advice on personal protective equipment and information on health effects.

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (http://www.acgih.org) has established criteria and methods of evaluation for exposure assessment that are extensively utilized.

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards offers a condensed summary of toxicologic data for workplace risk assessment.

Environmental History of Occupational Work Related Asthma

Evaluation and documentation of exposures occurring away from the workplace are also crucial. Patients should be questioned about their primary residence, including its age, location, type, history of remodeling, heating, ventilation, flooring, and water damage in the past.

Hobbies including car maintenance, woodworking, photography, ceramics, and gardening can expose people to substances that might aggravate or cause asthma.

What our office can do if you have workers compensation injuries

We have the experience to help you with their workers compensation injuries. We understand what you are going through and will meet your medical needs and follow the guidelines set by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

We understand the importance of your workers compensation cases. Let us help you navigate through the maze of dealing with the workers compensation insurance company and your employer.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your family. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us so we will do everything we can to make it as easy on you as possible.

We are orthopedic surgeons and do not treat chest diseases. We will refer you to someone in your area who does treat respiratory symptoms.