As an employer you have a legal duty to protect the health of employees and others who may be affected by their work.

YOU MAY HAVE TO IMPLEMENT HEALTH SURVEILLANCE IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH:

RESPIRATORY SENSITISERS

Respiratory sensitisers are substances which when breathed in can trigger an irreversible allergic reaction in the respiratory system. Sensitisation does not normally take place right away. It generally happens after several months or even years of breathing in the sensitiser. Once a person is sensitised, continued exposure can result in permanent lung damage.

Why employers should take action: Respiratory sensitisers are subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1995. Employers are obliged to prevent or, where this is not possible, control employees’ exposure to these substances.

A NOISY ENVIRONMENT

Noise induced hearing loss is a most common problem of ill health in industry. Sound or noise at high levels can cause permanent hearing damage. Once ears have been damaged by noise, there is no cure.

We can devise a hearing conservation policy for you. We have sound-proofed audiometry booths and can provide you with a programme to monitor your employees’ hearing levels.

POWER HAMMERS, CONCRETE BREAKERS, PERCUSSIVE DRILLS, CHAIN-SAWS, RIVETING TOOLS

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or Vibration White Finger (VWF) is reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)

Hand-Arm Vibration can cause damage to the arteries, nerves, bones and muscles. As an employer you are required to assess the risks and to take measures to control these so far as is reasonably practicable.

COMMON ALLERGENS OR COMMON IRRITANTS

Allergens include nickel, colophony, chromates, cobalt. Irritants include water, abrasives, chemicals, solvents, oils, detergents.

Around 60% of all compensation claims for industrial disease are for skin disorders.

We can screen your employees, carry out lung function assessments, perform audiograms and carry out physical checks to determine no ill effects have occurred.

---

Unsure if you need to implement Health Surveillance?

Our Occupational Health Advisers can visit and provide you with a detailed report on what you should be doing and how often.

Ring Adele Southall on +44 (0)1493 414173 e-mail us and we will contact you.