Throughout 2024, health surveillance emerged as a recurring topic across various industries. As we continue into 2025, it’s an ideal time to revisit this critical aspect of workplace health and safety. Health surveillance plays a key role in early detection of work-related illnesses, ensuring both compliance with legal obligations and the protection of employee wellbeing.
What Is Health Surveillance?
Health surveillance is a system of ongoing health checks designed to detect early signs of work-related ill health among employees exposed to certain risks. It helps identify adverse health effects before they become severe, allowing for timely interventions to prevent further harm.
The purpose of health surveillance isn’t just compliance; it’s about proactively safeguarding your workforce, improving productivity, and reducing long-term health-related absences.
When Should You Carry Out Health Surveillance?
Employers are legally required to implement health surveillance when employees are exposed to specific risks that could harm their health. This is often identified through risk assessments. Situations that typically require health surveillance include:
1. Working with Lead
Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including kidney damage and neurological disorders. Regular health checks, including blood tests, are necessary for those at risk.
2. Exposure to Ionising Radiation
Individuals working with ionising radiation must undergo routine health monitoring to detect early signs of radiation-related health effects.
3. Regular Exposure to High Noise Levels
Prolonged exposure to loud environments can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Audiometric testing is essential for workers in these conditions.
4. Use of Vibrating Handheld Tools
Workers regularly using vibrating tools are at risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Health surveillance helps identify symptoms early, such as numbness or tingling in fingers.
5. Working with Wood (Risk of Inhalation)
Wood dust exposure can lead to respiratory issues, including occupational asthma. Regular respiratory health checks are important for those in woodworking industries.
6. Handling Asbestos
Asbestos exposure can cause severe lung conditions. Health surveillance, including medical examinations, is mandatory for workers in this field.
7. Exposure to Certain Chemicals (e.g., Isocyanates)
Isocyanates are known to cause occupational asthma. Health checks, including lung function tests, are required for workers exposed to these substances.
8. Contact with Coolants in Engineering and Machine Shops
Regular skin contact with metalworking fluids can lead to dermatitis. Skin checks and health monitoring help detect issues early.
How Is Health Surveillance Conducted?
The approach to health surveillance varies based on the level of risk:
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Basic Checks by Employers: In low-risk situations, simple checks involving discussions with employees about their health can be sufficient. This includes questionnaires and visual inspections for signs of health issues.
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Involvement of Occupational Health Professionals: For higher-risk environments, health surveillance may require medical examinations conducted by qualified health professionals. This could include lung function tests, skin assessments, hearing tests, or biological monitoring (such as blood or urine samples).
The Role of Employers
Employers must not only identify the need for health surveillance but also ensure it is carried out appropriately. This includes maintaining confidential health records, acting on the results to improve workplace conditions, and consulting with occupational health services when necessary.
How Compass HSC Can Help
Navigating the requirements of health surveillance can be complex. Compass HSC provides expert guidance to help you determine when health surveillance is needed and how to implement it effectively. We can assist with risk assessments, recommend appropriate health checks, and connect you with occupational health professionals when required.
Contact us today to discuss your health surveillance needs and ensure your workplace remains compliant and safe in 2025.