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Health Surveillance

Workplaces can be full of health risks, and some specific types of risk require you to legally monitor your employees. Health surveillance is a system of ongoing health checks provided to workers exposed to specific risks, and Alert Health’s clinicians can deliver this to your staff at our clinic or at your premises.

Occupational Health Surveillance in Inverness

From oil and gas to renewables – construction to manufacturing – anyone exposed to high levels of noise or vibration, solvents, fumes, dust, biological agents, and other substances is at risk.

When your employees work in hazardous environments, you are legally obligated to provide a health surveillance programme to monitor their health and wellbeing.

Our leading health surveillance services act as a key tool for monitoring and controlling health risks present within your business, helping you to keep your employees safe.

Some workers are exposed to high levels of substances or hazards, due to the nature of their work or environment, that can negatively impact their health.

By regularly monitoring your employees’ health, you can identify early signs of work-related injury from exposure to known hazards, and preventative measures can be put in place to avoid long-term or permanent harm.

We will advise you on how best to assess your employees’ working environment and provide you with a tailored health surveillance programme to suit your needs

Our Assessments

We provide a full range of health surveillance assessments, including:

Audiometry (Hearing Tests)

Purpose: Identify early signs of hearing damage
Who: Exposed to ≥80 dB(A).

Respiratory Surveillance

Purpose: Detect occupational asthma, COPD, etc.
Who: Exposed to dust, fumes, vapours.

HAVS Surveillance

Purpose: Detect vibration-related hand/arm damage.
Who: Using vibrating tools exceeding EAV.

Skin Surveillance

Purpose: Spot signs of contact dermatitis and other conditions.
Who: Exposed to irritants or sensitisers.

Shift Work Health Assessment

Purpose: Monitor effects of night or extended shift patterns.
Who: Classified as night workers.

Get Started

Choose Alert Health to fulfil your health surveillance assessment needs

Identifying Health Surveillance Requirements

By reviewing each job role and identifying potential health risks, you can determine whether your staff require health surveillance. Your company’s health and safety representative will be able to assist with this health risk assessment, however we can also guide you through the process, and can recommend an independent HSE consultant.

Your health risk assessment may also indicate that the following fitness for task medical assessments are required, and these can be carried out at the same time as health surveillance:

What Are Fitness for Task Medical Assessments?

Work at Height Assessment

Assesses: Dizziness, vertigo, epilepsy, blood pressure, vision, balance.
Why it matters: Prevent serious falls due to sudden incapacitation.

Lift Truck Operator Assessment

Assesses: Vision, hearing, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, mental health.
Why it matters: Safe operation of machinery.

Confined Spaces Assessment

Assesses: Respiratory, cardiac, psychological fitness, RPE compatibility.
Why it matters: Demanding emergency and safety conditions.

Keeping HSE Compliant

Health surveillance and/or medicals can be carried out by our experienced clinicians at your premises, or your employees can attend our clinic in Inverness at a time and date to suit them.

Following any appointments, we will provide you with a summary health surveillance report which demonstrates your programme to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and securely store all medical records.

About Health Surveillance

FAQs

What are the benefits of health surveillance services?

Health surveillance services help identify and monitor potential health risks in the workplace, ensuring the well-being of your employees. It helps detect early signs of health issues, prevent long-term health problems, and comply with health and safety regulations. This proactive approach not only protects employees but also reduces sickness absence and boosts productivity.

What are the key areas in which health surveillance delivers value?

Health surveillance plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace by consistently monitoring employees for job-related health risks. It enables the early identification of work-related illnesses, reduces health-related absences, and enhances overall employee well-being. Moreover, it helps businesses comply with legal regulations while fostering a culture of care and accountability.

Why choose Alert Health for health surveillance services?

Alert Health is dedicated to providing comprehensive, tailored health surveillance solutions that meet the unique needs of your business. Our team of experts uses the latest tools and techniques to ensure accurate assessments and actionable insights. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, working closely with you to create a programme that fits your company’s specific risks and regulatory needs. With our strong local knowledge and adaptable approach, we deliver onsite services around your operations, ensuring minimal disruption while keeping your workforce healthy and compliant.

Are you legally obligated to provide a health surveillance programme to your employees?

Yes, in many cases, employers are legally required to offer health surveillance services, especially when employees are exposed to certain health risks in the workplace (e.g., chemicals, noise, or dust). Compliance with health and safety regulations is essential for protecting your workforce and avoiding potential penalties. Alert Health can help you determine the specific requirements for your industry and ensure that you meet all necessary legal obligations.

Who do health surveillance services apply to?

Health surveillance services apply to any employee who may be exposed to health risks in the workplace. This includes industries such as oil and gas, renewables, construction, and manufacturing. Employees exposed to high levels of noise, vibration, solvents, fumes, dust, biological agents, or other hazardous substances face potential health risks. Regular health surveillance is essential to protect their well-being and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

How can health surveillance help prevent long-term or permanent injury to employees?

Regular health surveillance allows you to monitor your employees’ health for early signs of work-related injuries or illnesses caused by exposure to known hazards. By identifying these issues early, you can implement preventative measures to protect your employees and avoid long-term or permanent harm. This proactive approach helps ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of your workforce.

How can you help my business assess employees' health risks?

At Alert Health, we’ll advise you on the best way to assess your employees’ working environment and identify potential health risks. Based on this assessment, we’ll create a tailored health surveillance programme that fits your specific needs, ensuring that your workforce is properly monitored for relevant health hazards.

What types of health surveillance assessments do you offer?

We provide a full range of health surveillance assessments, including audiometry (hearing tests), respiratory assessments, skin checks, and screenings for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Each assessment is designed to monitor the specific risks employees may face in their roles, helping prevent long-term health issues.

How do I identify if my employees need health surveillance?

To determine whether your staff require health surveillance, it’s important to review each job role and identify any potential health risks. Your company’s health and safety representative can assist with this risk assessment, but we’re also here to guide you through the process. In the instance that further support is required to assess the health risks within your business, we can engage specialist advice and assessment via industrial hygiene consultants, ensuring an appropriate and efficient health surveillance programme is established for your organisation.

What additional medical assessments might be required alongside health surveillance?

Your health risk assessment may also highlight the need for specific fitness-for-task medical assessments. These can be carried out alongside health surveillance to ensure your employees are fit for their roles. Some of the assessments we offer include Lift Truck Operator Medicals, Plant Operator Medicals, Crane Operator, LGV medical, Safety critical medical, Confined Spaces Medicals, and Working at Heights Medicals.

How do you ensure our business stays HSE compliant with health surveillance?

To help you stay compliant with HSE regulations, we offer flexible health surveillance and medical services. Our experienced clinicians can carry out assessments at your premises, or your employees can visit our clinic in Inverness at a time that suits them. After each appointment, we provide a summary health surveillance report, which demonstrates your programme to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and track repeat assessments in line with clinical and statutory recommendations. We also securely store all medical records to maintain confidentiality and compliance.

How often should health surveillance assessments be conducted?

The frequency of health surveillance assessments depends on the specific risks associated with each job role and the type of exposure. For example, employees exposed to high noise levels may require annual hearing tests, while those working with chemicals may need more frequent respiratory assessments. In some instances, the assessment outcome will dictate the frequency of any follow-up assessments. We can help determine the appropriate schedule based on your business needs and industry requirements.

What happens if an employee fails a health surveillance assessment?

If an issue is identified during a health surveillance assessment, we will work with you to assess the situation and implement the necessary steps. This could include further medical evaluations, adjustments to their working environment, or a change in their role to reduce health risks. Our goal is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your employees while keeping your business compliant.

Can health surveillance help reduce insurance costs?

Yes, implementing a robust health surveillance programme can potentially reduce insurance costs. By proactively identifying and addressing health risks, you can demonstrate to insurers that you’re taking steps to protect your workforce, which may lead to reduced premiums over time.

How do I get started with health surveillance for my employees?

Getting started with health surveillance is easy! Simply get in touch with us to discuss your company’s specific needs. We’ll conduct an initial assessment of your workplace risks, advise you on the best course of action, and create a tailored health surveillance programme for your employees.

Are your health surveillance services suitable for small businesses?

Absolutely! We offer flexible health surveillance services that can be tailored to businesses of all sizes, from small companies to large organisations. We’ll work with you to design a programme that fits your budget and addresses the specific health risks within your workplace.

Do you provide training for employees on health surveillance and safety?

Yes, we offer training sessions to help your employees understand the importance of health surveillance and how they can minimise risks in the workplace. These sessions can be tailored to your specific industry and can cover topics such as personal protective equipment (PPE), recognising early signs of health issues.