HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Hearing Tests (Audiometry)

Health surveillance is a requirement under ‘The Control of Noise at Work Regulations’, 2005 for workers who are regularly exposed to noise over the upper exposure action value of 85 dB (A). Health Surveillance Must also be provided where noise exposure is either:

Between the lower exposure action value of 80 dB (A) and the upper value of 85 dB (A) and the individual may be particularly sensitive to noise.

Where occasional exposure occurs above the upper exposure action value and the individual may be particularly sensitive to noise.

Respiratory Surveillance

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people’s health at risk. The law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health.

Spirometry also know as lung function testing or respiratory surveillance is carried out to ensure compliance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, 2002.

Employers have a duty to carry out Risk Assessments to identify hazardous or potentially hazardous substances that an employee may inhale whilst at work. Once a hazard has been identified, control measures are put in place in order to prevent ill health. Health surveillance whilst also helping to identify employees who may be particularly at risk, is used to assess the efficacy of existing control measures.

Health surveillance involves collecting and using information about workers’ health relating to the substances they work with. This helps to prevent the development of work related respiratory disease and can help to identify non work related respiratory illness at an early stage.

Skin Surveillance

Occupational skin disease is a common health problem. Repeated skin irritation or exposure to skin sensitizers can lead to dermatitis. If signs of dermatitis are detected early and the affected employee receives appropriate advise, the risk of developing skin disease may be reduced or eliminated. Dermatitis can however, be irreversible if left untreated. Where skin becomes sensitised, even a small amount of exposure can trigger a severe reaction.

Employers must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) by assessing risks, providing and maintaining adequate control measures, providing information, instruction and training, and in appropriate cases, providing health surveillance. Employees should take reasonable care of their own and other people’s health; they should follow their training and co-operate with their employer on health and safety.

Hand Arm Vibration (HAVS) Surveillance

Hand-arm vibration comes from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints). HAVS is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent. HAVS is serious and disabling, and nearly 2 million people are at risk. Damage from HAVS can include the inability to do fine work and cold can trigger painful finger blanching attacks.

The HSE recommends a 5 Tier approach to HAVS surveillance. Tier 1 is an initial assessment before an employee begins exposure to vibrating tools. The second stage is an annual screening assessment. Tier 3, carried out by an Occupational Health Nurse, after 3 years of continuous exposure to vibrating tools or where any HAVS like symptoms have been highlighted at Tier 1 or 2. Tier 4 is formal diagnosis and staging by an Occupational Health Physician. Stage 5, less commonly used, involves optional standardised HAVS tests.

If an employee reports no symptoms of HAVS after 3 years of frequent exposure or if symptoms show up for the first time, the HSE recommends HAVS medicals carried out by HSE accredited medical practitioners.