Transition of Occupational Medical Surveillance to Via Christi

Effective immediately (as of 5-15-25), Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will no longer provide respirator fit testing services. These services are transitioning to Ascension Via Christi Occupational Health Manhattan.

Here are the key details regarding the transition:

Point of Contact: Please contact Ascension Via Christi Occupational Health Manhattan directly. Appointments can be made by calling 785-776-2813: M-F, between 8:00am-4:30pm. Appointments are available within 1-3 business days. When calling, please inform them that you are with KSU, provide your department, and services you require (for example: let them know about work conditions; including respirator use, work in high-noise environment, handling of pesticides, and/or have a risk of cuts and punctures in daily tasks see Via Christi Available Services below). If you need a respirator fit test, please take your respirator and new P100 filter(s) (if the filter variety) with you to the appointment.

Appointment Scheduling: Employees are responsible for scheduling their own appointments directly with Via Christi.

This change will streamline the process for respirator fit testing aligned with other occupational health services for campus.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance during this transition, please feel free to reach out to EHS directly by calling 785-532-5856 or by email at safety@ksu.edu.

Via Christi Available Services

Hearing tests required for employees who work in high-noise environments (farms, fields, shops, mills, etc.)

Respiratory fit testing required for employees who wear a respirator as essential PPE for assigned duties and occupational hazards (not voluntarily wearing a disposable N95, ½ mask, or full-face respirators).  Employees must bring their own respirator and P100 filter(s) for the fit test.

Pulmonary function tests are required for every employee who wears a respirator.  Exemptions include:

- Received an initial clearance last year.

- No change in the employee’s physical condition.

- No change in workplace conditions; including physical work effort, PPE or protective clothing, or temperature resulting in an increased physiological burden on the employee.

- Result of current medical examination/questionnaire does not indicate additional medical evaluation is necessary.

Voluntary tests and vaccinations:   

Cholinesterase blood testing is voluntary and offered to employees who work with carbamate or organophosphate pesticides.

Tetanus vaccinations are voluntary and offered to employees on a 10-year cycle who work at farm and field sites or are at risk for cuts and punctures.