Health surveillance is the monitoring of the health of employees and carrying out ongoing health checks to ensure that they are protected and supported when working. Carrying out health surveillance will help identify any potential deterioration in health and risks early, and also support risk assessments (particularly when working with COSHH).
Health Surveillance is required by law, you can find out more information by visiting the HSE website
Occupational health surveillance considers and monitors the impact the work environment has on an employee’s health.
Musculoskeletal problems can develop gradually over time, and may occur from a range of various activities.
Disorders such as bad back, stiff neck or shoulders and pain in knees are all preventable issues at work.
In 2020/21 there were an estimated 470,000 workers affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders – This accounts for 28% of all work-related ill health.
See more information on MSK testing and the workplace below:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/toolkit.htm
Spirometry detects the early indications of lung damage and respiratory diseases, and is carried out in order to comply with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002).
Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work if not managed properly can be dangerous to an employee’s health, so the law requires employers to control and measure exposure to prevent ill health occurring.
See more information on lung function testing and the workplace below:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/copd/employers.htm
Occupational health skin disease can cause irreversible damage if not detected early enough.
Irritants caused by working conditions such as latex gloves, soaps/cleaning products, chemicals & solvents, resins & oils, amongst others may cause skin damage.
Common Occupations associated with skin disease include construction, paint spraying, food manufacturing, catering, healthcare and agriculture.
See more information on hearing testing and the workplace below:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/professional/health-surveillance.htm
Audiometry is the testing of hearing, and is required under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations, 2005. This applies to those workers who are regularly exposed to noise over the 85 dB, and also to those with reduced exposure but a higher/increased sensitivity to noise.
See more information on hearing testing and the workplace below:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/healthsurveillance.htm
HAVS is more common amongst those working with hand-held power tools and holding material in place for machining.
Prolonged exposure to vibration can lead to damage to the hand(s), which may eventually lead to HAVS.
Common symptoms of HAVS are:
Impaired circulation (leading to Vibration White Finger)
Reduced sense of touch
Numbness
Reduced manual dexterity
Tingling
Stiffness of the joints
Reduced grip strength
See more information on hearing testing and the workplace below:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/advicetoemployers/assessrisks.htm
Employers have a legal obligation to provide health surveillance have regular exposure to lead (even if control measures are in place), as lead can be absorbed either when breathing or swallowing.
This is know as CLAW medical – (Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002), and protects against serious health problems developing such as anaemia, kidney disease and cancers.
See more information on lead and the workplace below:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/lead.htm
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Some industries require workers to have a medical assessment prior to them starting work on a particular site or role.
Assess the affect of lifestyle, family history and other predisposition factors on an employees health, to better ensure their long term health and performance.
Assessment with an occupational health practitioner to provide advice and support to the employer and employee, on how to either remain or return to work safely.
Support employees health and reduce absenteeism with counselling, physio and GP appointments.