• If there is a risk of dermatitis eg contact with cement.

• Where there are risks of exposure to respiratory crystalline silica eg certain quarry operations. In the case of noise, when employees are regularly exposed above the upper exposure action value – a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 85 dbA.

• In the case of vibration for employees likely to be exposed above the exposure action values.

Health surveillance is about systematically watching out for early signs of work-related ill health in employees. It is one measure of the effectiveness of the controls put in place to protect your employees from the effects of exposure to health hazards.

It may include;

• Simple methods, such as looking for skin damage;
• More involved methods, such as hearing tests or medical examinations;

Health surveillance is not a substitute for controls to deal with health hazards.

Health surveillance may be required by legislation or as a result of a relevant assessment of the hazards associated with the work activity. 

Statutory health surveillance is necessary where the legislation requires it such as;

• Noise exposure above the upper exposure action value
• Vibration exposure at or above an exposure action value.
• Exposure to certain chemicals and substances for example if there is a risk of dermatitis, contact with cement or where there are risks of exposure to respiratory crystalline silica from operations involving the cutting of concrete products.

All surveillance programmes should be overseen by an occupational health professional and although a doctor or nurse is required for many aspects of health surveillance, a trained responsible person may be used for some aspects of health surveillance, although the limitations need to be very clear. An occupational health professional should provide the required training and define the limits for any responsible person.

Speak to EMAS – click here The Service will give advice on the need for health surveillance, how to establish occupational health programs as well as the required competences for carrying these out.