Health Surveillance

Audiometry

Under the Noise at Work regulations, employees exposed to noise in the workplace are required to have regular hearing tests for ensuring that noise controls and PPE used are adequate and that their hearing is not being affected.

Respiratory Health surveillance

This is a requirement under COSHH for employees potentially exposed to substances that could cause occupational asthma. This includes flour, wood dust, epoxy resins, welding fumes etc The aim of health surveillance is to identify employees who are at increased risk of developing medical problems if exposed to substances used and/or who develop medical problems as a result of exposure to the substances used in the workplace. It is also important for establishing that hazard controls in place are proving effective. Health surveillance ranges from simple annual questionnaires to annual breathing tests depending on risk.

Hand arm vibration surveillance (HAVS)

Annual health assessments are required for employees at risk under the Control of Vibration regulations 2005. The legislation requires that some of this assessment is undertaken by a minimum of an OH specialist nurse with additional training in HAVS. Employees identified with possible HAVs would then require further assessment by an Occupational Health Physician.

Skin Health surveillance

Skin problems at work are a common occurrence as a result of contact with substances causing contact dermatitis or sensitisation. It can be very disabling and potentially result in long-term work absence. Under COSHH legislation, employees exposed to substances that could affect skin e.g. wet work, mineral oils, engineering oils, solvents, detergents, disinfectants require skin health surveillance. The aim of surveillance is to detect at an early stage any skin changes that could be related to an individuals working environment and to ensure control measures in the workplace are effective.