Electrocardiogram for workers: what it is and what it consists of

Theelectrocardiogram (or ECG) is part of the mandatory instrumental examinations of labor and allows for the evaluation of workers’ cardiac activity.

This is an examination to which the worker is compulsorily subjected because the result is useful in proving whether he is fit to perform his duties or whether it is necessary to change them to assign him to another position.

Let’s see together what it is and what the electrocardiogram for workers consists of.

Electrocardiogram: what it’s all about

Illnesses often occur in workplaces that can seriously affect the worker’s health and in extreme cases can even lead to fatal outcomes. Some heart-related diseases are asymptomatic, which is why undergoing anelectrocardiogram examination is very important in order to detect heart dysfunction and disease early.

In fact, thanks to this examination, it is possible:

– periodically check the activity of the cardiovascular system;

– assess cardiac efficiency in both resting and exercise conditions;

– detect hidden heart disease in asymptomatic patients;

– diagnose major heart-related diseases such as hypertension or heart failure.

Since it is a heart-related examination, it is especially recommended for all those workers who are engaged in a great deal of physical exertion while performing their duties.

It is a quick, painless and noninvasive visit.

What does the electrocardiogram consist of

The competent physician, who is in charge of health surveillance of workers in the workplace, is the specialist who must ensure the health and safety protection of employees by monitoring their health status to prevent occupational diseases or worsening.

Theelectrocardiogram allows the competent physician to carefully assess the health of workers, then certify their physical condition over time with periodic checkups.

Theelectrocardiogram is an examination that can be performed directly in the workplace and does not require the worker to undergo any specific pre-examination preparations: it consists of applying electrodes to the worker’s legs, arms and heart area that can detect heart rhythm and check for hidden pathologies or abnormalities of the heart system.

There are two types of electrocardiogram:

– at rest, in which the worker is in a supine position with the chest uncovered;

– under exertion, in which the worker performs exercise of a certain intensity such as pedaling on an exercise bike or walking on a treadmill.

The heart’s activity is recorded and indicated immediately by a graph called an “electrocardiogram.”

The final outcome of the examination (which is communicated to the employer in a timely manner) will result in a decision by the competent physician as to the suitability of the worker.

In the case of unfitness for work for the task performed, the employer must assign the worker to another task that is not hazardous to his or her health.

When to perform the electrocardiogram examination

The periodicity with which theelectrocardiogram examination is performed does not have a precise cadence but the competent physician may require that the examination be performed under certain specific circumstances, such as:

– at the beginning of the employment relationship;

– upon the employee’s return after an extended period of absence;

– in case a change of job description should occur;

– in cases where the worker himself requests the visit.

If the doctor deems it appropriate, he or she may request the examination even several times depending on the employee’s health status.

Targeted visits are usually required every five years, but depending on the worker’s medical condition or age, they may also be required every two years.