What is Health Surveillance?
Health surveillance is a system of ongoing health checks on those working within an organisation which allows for early detection of ill-health and helps identify any corrective action needed. Health surveillance may be required by law if your workers are exposed to:
- noise
- vibration
- solvents
- fumes
- dusts
- biological agents
- other substances hazardous to health
- work with compressed air
All the above areas of surveillance are required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. In addition, lead, asbestos or radioactive substances have their own specific regulations concerning medical surveillance.
Why is Health Surveillance Important?
Health surveillance is important in:
- Detecting ill-health at an early stage, so employers can introduce better controls.
- Providing data to help employers evaluate health risks.
- Highlighting lapses in workplace control measures, thereby providing invaluable feedback to the risk assessment process.
- Providing an opportunity to reinforce training and education of employees.
- Helping to demonstrate compliance with the COSHH Regulations and other legislation.
In order to enhance the support it offers to clients on ill-health and absenteeism issues, whether from a Health & Safety or HR perspective, EML has partnered with Glenbreck Health, a team of highly skilled Occupational Health professionals who provide support to employers.
If you need any further information regarding Health Surveillance, or wish to discuss specific issues of sickness absence or other medical matters relating to your workforce, please contact one of our consultants on 01942 727200 for an initial conversation in confidence and without charge or obligation.