What is Health Surveillance and Health Screening?
Health Surveillance is essential and a legal requirement to protect those workers who are exposed to certain hazards in the workplace.
Health surveillance is a process involving strategies and processes designed to protect the employee in the workplace from any potential hazard they may be exposed to, such as contact with dust, toxic chemicals, noise, biological contaminants, skin irritants, those working in confined space, or those working with vibrating machinery.
This surveillance will also allow you, the employer, to meet current legislative obligations under Health and Safety Regulations.
Methods of surveillance can vary from using lung function measurement equipment to undertaking hearing tests. The type of surveillance tests will depend on the nature of your business and the type of monitoring services that you require. We are able to undertake most forms of surveillance and will generate reports back to management with our findings and appropriate recommendations.
Some of the common health surveillance services we provide:
Hearing tests (Audiometry)
This is undertaken for those workers exposed to any significant level of noise in the workplace, to detect early signs of damage to hearing. Early identification can reduce and control any further risk of hearing loss or damage. Once loss has occurred it is permanent.
Lung function tests (Spirometry)
Some workers are exposed to toxic substances in the workplace which can cause permanent lung damage or lead to bronchial conditions and respiratory sensitivity. These toxins can affect those who work with chemicals, resins, paints, soldering flux, welding fumes, dust and other particulates including wood.
Workstation assessments
Workers who spend many hours using computers are at risk from developing musculoskeletal disorders. They also reduce further risk and or exacerbation to those individuals who have specific medical conditions.
Night worker assessments
These are undertaken to determine whether or not an individual is fit to undertake night work, and or whether working night’s impacts upon their health.
Dermatological assessment
(Skin test)
Individuals who are working with chemicals or substances that are irritants or allergenic and can cause contact dermatitis, should undergo these assessments to ensure they are safe.
Fork lift truck driver medicals
The HSE Safety and Working with Lift Trucks Guidance (HSG6) guidelines, recommend these medicals at prescribed intervals.
Pre-Employment medicals
The issue of discrimination and human rights legislation has made pre-employment screening a complex process for employers. We are able to advise and establish whether or not any adjustments need to be made during the recruitment process, and maintain compliance with the Equality Act 2010.