Health Surveillance
Health Surveillance
Health surveillance is carried out to look for health conditions which can arise as a result of work. The purposes of health surveillance are:-
- to enable early identification and diagnosis of work related conditions in individuals, so that additional measures can be out in place to prevent deterioration and promote recovery
- to check whether general measures put in place to prevent work related health are adequate
- to create an opportunity for training and education of employees regarding the risk of specific work-related conditions
- to create an opportunity for individuals to discuss concerns about work related ill-health
Further details on Health Surveillance carried out at Loughborough University is shown below.
Health Surveillance - at a glance
Hazard |
Type of work involved |
Surveillance carried out |
Noise |
Work which exposes the user to noise levels exceeding 85dBA (averaged over a working day) (Link to Noise Policy) |
Audiometry carried out annually for 2 years (i.e. 3 times) then every 3 years thereafter |
Vibration |
Work which exposes the user to vibration exceeding an average of 2.5 m/s2 |
Annual questionnaire, with follow up face to face assessment where indicated |
Respiratory sensitisers |
Potential exposure to known sensitisers such as isocycantes, flour etc. Sensitisers are identified by the risk phrase “R42- potential to cause sensitisation by inhalation” on the coshh assessment or data sheet |
Low risk – baseline lung function testing, followed by annual questionnaire |
Skin sensitisers or irritants |
Potential exposure to skin sensitisers or irritants, identified by coshh assessment or data sheets. ‘Wet work’ i.e. involving prolonged submersion in water or the need for frequent handwashing |
Individual has personal responsibility to report any problems, advice available from OH when required |