What is the main purpose of medical surveillance programs for exposed workers?

• A. Monitor exposure levels and health status
• B. Improve morale
• C. Increase production
• D. Reduce costs

Answer: (A)

The main aim of medical surveillance programs for workers exposed to hazards is to monitor both exposure levels and health status. By regularly tracking how much exposure a worker is receiving and evaluating their health, the program can catch early signs of overexposure or illness before symptoms develop. This enables timely medical intervention, helps ensure exposures stay within regulatory limits, and informs necessary changes to controls or job assignments to protect the worker’s health.

Other goals like improving morale, increasing production, or reducing costs aren’t the primary purpose of surveillance; they might occur alongside safety efforts but the core objective here is protecting health through ongoing monitoring.