Health Surveillance and Statutory medicals

Employers are legally obliged to provide a safe workplace and in order to achieve this, a risk assessment needs to be undertaken. Following this. a health surveillance programme may be required. We can advise you on your risk assessment and can then provide a surveillance programme which is fully compliant with health & Safety Executive requirements. By bringing our services to your site, we can provide a cost effective and efficient programme of health surveillance in the workplace minimising disruption to your business.

The medical examinations we can provide include:

Skin surveillance

For people handling sensitising agents and skin irritants including machine oils, solvents etc

Audiometry

For individuals exposed to noise. Audiometric screening tests can be performed either in the work place or a the Health Centre (using our sound proof examination booth). The results are then evaluated and management will be given guidance on compliance with the Noise at Work regulations.

Hand and arm vibration syndrome

Surveillance for people working with vibrating tools. This regulation is covered by the control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. The Health & Safety Executive suggests that surveillance should be offered to employees who are regularly exposed to vibration in the workplace.

Food handling medicals

For employees in the catering business.

Forklift truck driving medicals

To comply with HSE guidelines, see HSE Booklet; "Safety in Working with Lift Trucks HSG (6)"

Night and Shift working medical assessments

For the Working Time Regulations. Assessments take place for employees whose medical conditions may be adversely affected by work patterns.

Ionising Radiation medical assessments

For people who are "Classified workers". These are conducted on an annual basis. It is important that the individual brings a record of their sickness absence and also a copy of their exposure to radiation over the previous year to these assessments. This medical consultation consists of taking a full medical history and undergoing a physical examination. Usually a blood test is only taken at the initial pre-employment assessment.

Asbestos medical assessment

For the Control of Asbestos Regulations. This consists of a questionnaire where details of the exposure of the individual worker to asbestos are noted. A medical history is taken, particularly with relation to chest disorders and then a full lung function test is carried out. It is then at the doctor's discretion whether a chest x-ray is required. This medical is repeated every two years.

Lung function tests

These tests are for individuals who are exposed to respiratory hazards that could be inhaled and cause chest complaints. They can be carried out either in the Health Centre or at your work place.

Stress Management

Employers have a legal duty of care for staff which includes not only physical health, but also psychological wellbeing. We are able to offer advice to the employer on the management of "stress at work". We can advise on therapy with appropriately trained counsellors. With appropriate systems in place, this should help minimise the risk of related litigation.

Following all the assessments our recommendations are communicated clearly to management, so providing relevant advice on how to manage the working environment for the individual. Liaison is also undertaken with the employee's General Practitioner (with the necessary employee's consent).

We have a Helpline to advise HR staff on pre-employment health assessments and hazards in the workplace. Examples of this include provision of advice on the management of pregnant women exposed to Chicken Pox or Parvovirus and management of employees suspected of alcohol or drug abuse in the work place.

Statutory obligations

We are able to advise on whether a particular illness or injury should be reported under the "Riddor Regulations" (report of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations).