Specialised occupational health medical examinations based on risk

AEGEAN Medical provides comprehensive occupational health services to factories and industrial facilities, aiming to systematically monitor the health of employees in environments with high demands and potential risks.

Medical examinations are not treated as a routine procedure, but as a scientifically substantiated preventive intervention, tailored to the nature of production, working conditions and the requirements of each post.

Methodology for Designing Medical Programs
Programs are designed following an analysis of:

• work activities

• physical, chemical and mechanical risk factors

• ergonomics and physical strain

• duration and intensity of exposure

• shift work or night work

The process is carried out in collaboration with:

• management

• HR departments

• Health & Safety (H&S) officers

to ensure that the programs are practical, functional and effective.

Medical examination content – scientific approach.
Depending on the risk profile, the programs may include:

Clinical and laboratory evaluation

• complete clinical medical examination

• blood tests

• biochemical tests (liver and kidney function, metabolic markers)

• microbiological tests, when required

Cardiological assessment

• cardiological examination

• cardiovascular risk assessment for demanding positions

Imaging tests

• imaging examination as indicated (e.g., chest, musculoskeletal)

Fitness assessment

• functional capacity assessment
• fitness assessment for specific job positions

Sample examination packages by type of industrial environment
The following are examples and are tailored to each case.

Manufacturing / processing industries

• clinical examination
• haematological & biochemical testing
• cardiological assessment
• musculoskeletal stress assessment

Factories with high noise levels or mechanical stress

• clinical examination
• laboratory tests
• cardiological evaluation
• assessment of functional capacity

Units with exposure to dust or chemical agents

• extensive laboratory testing
• imaging studies, when suggested
• personalised medical evaluation

Organisation and implementation in a production environment
The testing process is carried out as follows:

• a predetermined schedule
• staggered employee attendance
• alignment with production schedules
• minimal disruption to operations

Medical evaluation & documentation
Upon completion of the examination, the following are provided:

• detailed medical evaluation
• documentation of employee fitness
• support for internal medical record-keeping

All procedures are conducted with strict adherence to medical confidentiality.

By way of example:
Medical examinations for employees in mining operations

In environments with particularly high occupational risk, such as mining operations, medical examinations of employees are of critical importance for the protection of health and safety.

Mining workers are often exposed to:

• dust and airborne particles
• heavy metals
• high noise levels
• demanding and hazardous working conditions

For this reason, medical examinations are typically structured as pre-employment (prior to hiring) and periodic, with the frequency determined by the type of activity and the level of exposure.

Indicative content of a medical examination

Depending on the nature of the work and working conditions, the medical examination may include:

• clinical examination by an occupational physician
• chest X-ray to screen for pneumoconiosis or silicosis
• spirometry to assess lung function
• blood tests (complete blood count)
• testing for heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium), depending on the mineral
• urinalysis, where indicated
• hearing test due to noise exposure
• ophthalmological examination
• electrocardiogram, especially for heavy manual labour
• dermatological examination in cases of contact with chemicals

Frequency and Monitoring
The frequency of examinations is determined by:

• the type of mine (underground or surface)
• the level and duration of exposure
• the worker’s age and medical history

Examinations are usually conducted:

• prior to hiring;
• on an annual or biennial basis, depending on the risk assessment

Legal Framework
Monitoring the health of employees engaged in such activities falls under the broader framework of Occupational Health & Safety, with mandatory monitoring by an Occupational Physician, in accordance with current Greek legislation.