Types of health surveillance
Hearing
Examples of jobs (not exhaustive)
Those who are exposed to noisy tools or processes, for example:
- metal work employees
- wood work employees
- groundsmen employees
- print room employees
Triggers
- Employees who are regularly exposed to noise at the upper exposure action levels
- Daily or weekly exposure of 85dB
- Peak sound pressure of 137dB
- Those who are at risk for any reason e.g. they already suffer from hearing loss or are particularly sensitive to damage
What it involves
- Medical questionnaire
- Hearing test
Frequency*
On employment, then annually for the first two years then three yearly.
Lung function
Examples of jobs (not exhaustive)
- Wood work employees
- Metal work employees
- Cleaning services employees
- Painters
Triggers
- Those employees who are exposed to substances or processes where occupational asthma is a known problem.
- Those working with respiratory irritants or sensitizers as defined by COSHH.
What it involves
- Medical questionnaire
- Height and weight
- Spirometry test
Frequency*
On employment, then six weeks after exposure, then 12 weeks after exposure, then annually.
Skin checks
Examples of jobs (not exhaustive)
- Cleaning services employees
Triggers
Those who are working with skin irritants or sensitisers as defined by COSHH.
What it involves
- Medical questionnaire
- Visual inspection
Frequency*
Annually.
Hand/arm vibration
Examples of jobs (not exhaustive)
- Wood work employees
- Grounds men employees
- Metal work employees
Triggers
- Employees exposed to vibration above the action value of 2.5m/s2 A (8)
- Employees who have a diagnosis of HAVS (even when exposed below the action value)
What it involves
- Medical questionnaire
- Visual inspection
- Physical examination
Frequency*
Annual questionnaire and 3 yearly medical
Biological agents
Examples of jobs (not exhaustive)
- Researchers
- Technicians
Triggers
Prior to starting work with agents in Hazard Group 2 or 3 pathogens, Class 2 or 3 genetically modified organisms or human blood or tissue samples that may contain Group 2 or 3 pathogens.
What it involves
- Medical questionnaire
Frequency*
Annually.
Lead/asbestos
Examples of jobs (not exhaustive)
- Painters
- Builders
- Electricians
Triggers
Regular or accidental exposure
What it involves
Physical assessment
Frequency*
Initial then as per medical recommendation.
Confined space/working at height
Examples of jobs (not exhaustive)
- Builders
- Electricians
- Maintenance workers
Triggers
Those working in confined spaces or at height
What it involves
Physical assessment
Frequency*
Initial then as per medical recommendation
Night workers
Examples of jobs (not exhaustive)
- Security staff
Triggers
Those who undertake at least three hours of night work on a regular basis
What it involves
- Medical questionnaire.
- Physical assessment.
Frequency*
Annual.
*Will be required more frequently if abnormal results are detected.
