Preplacement examination of temporary hospital workers.

One hundred ninety-nine temporary hospital employees were given preplacement medical examinations during the New York City hospital strike in 1984. Major findings pertain to susceptibility to communicable disease and to drug abuse. Sixty-three percent of individuals examined were found to be inadequately immunized against diphtheria and tetanus, 41% to be susceptible to rubella, and 12.6% to be tuberculin skin test positive. Three percent had positive urine toxicologies for either cocaine, heroin, or phencyclidine and were subsequently denied employment. Thirteen percent had potentially significant physical findings. One individual was denied employment pending treatment; two individuals with seizure disorders were placed in noncritical areas. Forty-one percent of individuals examined smoked and were eligible for smoking cessation programs.