Who Can Complete the OSHA Respirator Questionnaire?
The OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation is a required step in workplace safety—especially in industries where employees are required to wear respirators such as healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. But a common question that arises is: Who exactly is allowed to complete this mandatory questionnaire?
Let’s break it down.
Employees Must Complete the Questionnaire Themselves
The OSHA respirator questionnaire is designed to evaluate individual health risks that could be affected by respirator use. For this reason, each employee must personally complete their own questionnaire. It’s not a task that can be delegated to HR or filled out by a supervisor on behalf of the worker.
This ensures the evaluation accurately reflects each person's health status and medical history.
No Physical Exam Required (Usually)
OSHA allows the questionnaire to serve as a standalone medical evaluation. In most cases, no in-person physical exam is needed—unless the medical provider reviewing the form determines that additional testing is necessary.
This makes the process convenient and accessible, especially when completed through an online service.
Can Employers Assist?
Employers can help facilitate the process, especially when:
Language barriers are present
Employees need access to a computer or internet
Clarification of instructions is needed
However, they should not influence or complete the health-related answers.
Why This Matters
Ensuring that each employee completes their own respirator medical evaluation isn’t just about OSHA compliance—it’s about protecting worker health. Respirators can strain the heart and lungs, so medical clearance is essential for safe use.
Need Help Completing OSHA Respirator Evaluations?
At Active Assist HCS, we make it easy for your team to complete OSHA-required evaluations online. Our process is:
Fast
Confidential
OSHA-compliant