What information does the employer provide to physician?

The employer must give the examining physician a copy of the silica standard and provide the physician with the following information:

• A description of the employee’s former, current, and anticipated duties as they relate to the employee’s exposure to silica;
• The employee’s former, current, and anticipated levels of exposure to silica;
• A description of any personal protective equipment used or to be used by the employee, including when and for how long the employee has used or will use that equipment; and
• Information from records of employment-related medical examinations previously provided to the employee and currently within the control of the employer.

The physician needs this information to evaluate the employee’s health in relation to assigned duties and fitness to use personal protective equipment, such as respirators. The information provided to the physician includes only that within the control of the employer; the employer is not required to obtain information from past employers.