Occupational Health Surveillance System overview

OHSS logo

The Occupational Health Surveillance System (OHSS) is a computer-based system for conducting a risk assessment and corresponding medical evaluation for employees with exposure to animal biohazards, other workplace or laboratory exposures and required/voluntary use of respirators.

This system greatly simplifies the former paper-based medical review process, eliminating the need to copy and send forms for evaluation. Everyone with a NetID can use the OHSS system.

Email jgiddings@unr.edu or call (775) 327-5040 with any questions or for assistance.

How to use the Occupational Health Surveillance System (OHSS)

  1. The PI or Supervisor will  log into OHSS and creates a risk assessment (click on "Create a New Risk Assessment").
  2. Enter name of each participant (last name, first name) and click "Add Participant."
  3. Enter the workday tag, PG or grant number in the correct box.
  4. The participant reviews the risk assessment and accepts or rejects if changes are needed.
  5. After accepting the risk assessment, the participant completes the confidential health questionnaire and submits for review by the physician.
    • Make sure to have your vaccination history available as vaccine dates are requested on the questionnaire.
  6. The physician reviews the participant's risk assessment and health questionnaire and sends the individual a medical assessment for review.
  7. The participant will log into OHSS and reviews/acknowledges the medical assessment.
    • If there are questions from the physician, a response from the participant will be needed to complete the process.

Note: Email notifications are sent from OHSS after each step. If you do not receive an email, check your spam/junk folder.

Form and questionnaire descriptions

OHSS risk assessment

The risk assessment is completed by the PI or supervisor and verified and agreed to by the participant. The form contains a series of questions about the protocol and provides the physician with information on potential risks within the work environment related to the protocol, such as:

  • Exposures
  • Animal contact
  • Select or biological agents
  • Chemical agents
  • Physical agents
  • Boodborne pathogens
  • General safety training

OHSS health questionnaire

The health questionnaire is completed by the participant and confidentially routed to a physician. Participants should be prepared with vaccine information to streamline the process. The form provides the physician with personal health information, including:

  • Vaccines
  • Tuberculosis
  • General health history
  • Allergies
  • Prescription medications
  • Health status changes

Note: Your medical information is protected by law (HIPAA). Your supervisor is not granted access to your health questionnaire or medical assessment.

Respirator medical evaluation questionnaire

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires a separate questionnaire for those who are required to wear a respirator, and is recommended for those voluntarily using respirators that require fit testing for proper use. Upon completing the OHSS health questionnaire, and if respirator use was marked in the risk assessment and health questionnaire, the participant will be sent the respirator medical evaluation questionnaire. This is an OSHA standard form and contains a series of health-related questions which must be answered by the participant to continue the OHSS assessment process.

OHSS medical assessment

The medical assessment is completed by the occupational health physician and reviewed by the participant. The medical assessment provides the participants with evaluation information including:

  • If cleared for work
  • If a follow up is needed
  • Additional requirements:
    • Tuberculosis screening
    • Hepatitis B vaccine
    • Immunizations or tests
    • Consultation
    • Other

Declining participation

For persons who wish to decline participation in the medical surveillance, vaccine, hearing conservation or other program, a signed document is required. Please contact Andy Giddings, med safety officer, and a form will be sent to you.