Our Health Surveillance programmes adhere to legislative guidance provided by the health and safety executive (HSE) to deliver a systematic approach to monitoring the health of employees exposed to specific health risks at work.
Our Health Surveillance programmes
Our programmes involve regular health checks and assessments to detect early signs of work-related ill health, ensuring that any adverse effects are identified and managed promptly.
This proactive measure is crucial for protecting workers’ health, preventing long-term illnesses, and ensuring a safe working environment and by identifying potential health issues early, you can implement necessary interventions, workplace adjustments and ensure you comply with legal health and safety requirements. Using our comprehensive Occupational Health Surveillance Services, businesses can maintain compliance with HSE standards and proactively address health concerns.
Audiometry (hearing)
Regular Audiometry Health Surveillance testing is essential for workers who are:
- Regular Audiometry Health Surveillance testing is essential for workers who are regularly exposed to noise levels over 85 dB
- Workers occasionally exposed to noise levels of 80 dB or workers who have a significant sensitivity to noise identified via medical history.
This process includes regular hearing tests (audiometric testing) to detect early signs of hearing impairment, ensuring timely intervention and prevention of further damage. It also encompasses educating employees about the risks of noise exposure, implementing protective measures such as earplugs or earmuffs, and maintaining detailed records of hearing assessments.
What does it involve?
- Hearing (Audiometry) test
- Health questionnaire
- HSE compliant outcome certificate
- Onward referral, if required
Surveillance duration:
20 min
Spirometry (lung function)
Regular Spirometry Health Surveillance testing is crucial for workers with regular exposure to airborne contaminants or irritants, for example:
- chemical fumes
- wood dust
- grain dust
- fumes or mists
- adhesives or chlorine
Governed by regulations including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, spirometry testing ensures compliance with occupational health and safety standards, ultimately safeguarding workers’ respiratory health.
What does it involve?
- Spirometry (lung function) test
- Health questionnaire
- Blood pressure reading
- HSE compliant outcome certificate
- Onward referral, if required
Surveillance duration:
20 min
Safety Critical Medicals
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 employers are legally required to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and for ensuring that individuals performing high-risk roles are medically fit to do so.
Safety critical medicals typically include evaluations of vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and respiratory function, among other factors and are considered crucial for roles where others depend on a worker’s ability to perform their duties safely, such as in construction, transportation, and heavy machinery operation. Roles that may require a safety critical medical include (are not limited to) :
- HGV Drivers
- Electricians
- Plant Operators
- Scaffolder/Riggers
- Tunnel Workers
- Construction Workers (non-rail)
- Construction Workers (rail-trackside)
What does it involve?
- Health questionnaire/general health check
- Audiometry/Spirometry test
- Skin surveillance
- MSK assessment
- Working at height/ confined space assessment
- HAVS assessment
- Blood glucose analysis
Surveillance duration:
60 min / each
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to vibration, typically from using hand-held power tools. It affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. Typical roles include:
- Construction workers: Using tools like jackhammers, drills, and grinders
- Manufacturing workers: Operating vibrating machinery such as sanders, grinders, and saws
- Forestry workers: Using chainsaws and other vibrating equipment
- Maintenance workers: Handling tools like impact wrenches and power drills
- Groundskeepers and landscapers: Operating equipment like lawnmowers and hedge trimmers
What does it involve?
- Tier 1 involves a baseline questionnaire to gather initial health data, and any pre-existing conditions related to vibration exposure.
- Tier 2 consists of an annual screening questionnaire to detect any changes from the baseline.
- Tier 3 includes a more detailed assessment by a trained individual, using tools like hand dynamometers and touch-test sensory evaluators to measure grip strength and sensory perception.
- Tier 4 requires a formal diagnosis by an occupational health Physician, often using the Stockholm Scale to rate the severity of the condition.
- Tier 5 involves additional tests, such as vibro-tactile threshold tests and temperature aesthesiometers, to further assess the extent of the injury.
Mobile Clinics
Innovate Healthcare have a fleet of bespoke, mobile clinic units strategically located across, England, Wales and Scotland, making our Health Surveillance and employee wellbeing services accessible and convenient to all. Our air conditioned and heated units are suitable for delivering a range of services including (not limited to):
- Health Surveillance (for example, Audiometry, Spirometry, Skin, Vision)
- Health MOTs
- Driver Medicals
- Safety Critical Medicals
Driver Medical
A D4 driver medical is a mandatory health assessment required by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and is for individuals applying for or renewing a Group 2 driving licence to drive large vehicles such as lorries, buses, and coaches. The medical examination ensures that drivers meet the necessary health standards to operate these vehicles safely.
The D4 medical is required for all new applicants for a Group 2 licence and for existing licence holders at regular intervals, typically every five years until the age of 65, and annually thereafter. Additionally, drivers with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or heart conditions, may need to undergo more frequent assessments to ensure they remain fit to drive.
What does it involve?
- Medical History Review: A doctor will review medical history, including any past or current conditions that could affect the applicants ability to drive safely.
- Vision Test: A thorough eyesight test is conducted to ensure applicants meet the required vision standards.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will perform a physical examination, which includes checking blood pressure and overall physical health.
- Completion of the D4 Form: The doctor will fill out the D4 medical form during the assessment, documenting their findings and confirming whether applicants meet the health standards required by the DVLA.
Surveillance duration:
30 min
Skin Surveillance
Skin health surveillance is a proactive approach to monitoring and protecting the skin health of workers who are exposed to hazardous substances, chemicals or potential skin irritants in the workplace. Skin surveillance involves regularly collecting data on employees’ skin conditions to detect early signs of work-related skin diseases, such as dermatitis. The primary goal is to prevent skin diseases by identifying and mitigating risks before they lead to more serious health issues.
What does it involve?
- Completion of an online digital screening questionnaire.
- Escalation to a virtual or face to face consultation for advice (if required)
- Onward referral (if required)
Surveillance duration:
10 min
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Drug and alcohol testing is a critical component of workplace safety and compliance, aimed at ensuring that employees are not under the influence of substances that could impair their performance and endanger themselves or others whilst at work. The testing process typically involves collecting biological samples such as urine or saliva which are analysed for the presence of drugs or alcohol.
In line with your corporate policies, we can deliver:
- Pre-employment Testing: Conducted before a candidate is hired to ensure they are free from substance abuse.
- Random Testing: Performed on employees at random intervals to deter ongoing substance use.
- For-Cause Testing: Initiated when there is reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence while at work.
- Post-Accident Testing: Carried out after a workplace incident to determine if substance use was a contributing factor.
- Post-Accident Testing: Carried out after a workplace incident to determine if substance use was a contributing factor.
- Periodic Testing: Scheduled at regular intervals, often used in safety-sensitive industries.
Medical Surveillance
Medical surveillance is a legally obliged surveillance that must be conducted by an approved medical physician, and is necessary where:
(a) it is required by national law whenever workers are liable to be exposed to chemicals hazardous to health; or
(b) the employer is advised by an occupational health service that it is necessary as part of the protection of workers exposed to chemicals hazardous to health, given special attention to pregnant and breastfeeding women and other susceptible workers; or
(c) atmospheric or biological monitoring show that there could be effects on the health of a worker because of exposure to chemicals at work and medical surveillance will assist early detection of ill effects.
Health Surveillance FAQs
What are the benefits of health surveillance services?
Implementing occupational Health Surveillance services offers significant benefits to employers, particularly in industries with hazardous exposures.
- One of the primary advantages is the early detection of occupational diseases.
- Regular health monitoring allows for the identification of potential health issues before they become severe, enabling timely intervention and treatment.This proactive approach helps maintain a healthier workforce and reduces long-term healthcare costs.
- Another key benefit is the enhancement of workplace safety and compliance. Health surveillance services ensure that employers meet regulatory requirements and industry standards, minimising the risk of legal liabilities and potentially significant fines.
- It also fosters a culture of safety, where employees feel valued and protected, leading to increased morale and job satisfaction. When workers know their health is prioritised through occupational Health Surveillance, they are more likely to be engaged and productive.
What are the key values health surveillance services offer?
- Early Detection of Diseases: Through Health Surveillance services, potential health issues are identified before they become severe, allowing for timely intervention.
- Regulatory Compliance: Occupational Health Surveillance ensures adherence to industry standards and legal requirements, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues.
- Enhanced Workplace Safety: Promotes a safer work environment by monitoring and mitigating health risks through Health Surveillance services.
- Improved Employee Morale: Shows employees that their health is a priority, boosting job satisfaction and engagement via comprehensive occupational Health Surveillance.
- Increased Productivity: Healthy employees are more efficient and less likely to take sick leave, enhancing overall productivity with Health Surveillance services.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Occupational Health Surveillance prevents work-related illnesses and injuries, leading to fewer absences and a more reliable workforce.
- Cost Savings: Reduces long-term healthcare costs by preventing severe health issues and minimizing treatment expenses through Health Surveillance services.
- Better Risk Management: Helps identify and manage potential health risks, improving overall risk management strategies with occupational Health Surveillance.
- Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, enhancing the company’s reputation as a responsible employer through dedicated Health Surveillance services.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Health Surveillance services provide valuable health data that can inform workplace policies and health initiatives.
What are the outcome of the services?
Our team of skilled Technicians updates occupational health surveillance recall information directly into our secure system, Meddbase, as clinics progress. This provides key stakeholders with real-time access to critical information. We also publish outcome certificates via the system at the end of each clinic and share a clinic summary with nominated contacts. Additionally, if anything is identified that needs urgent attention—such as an employee needing to be stood down from their duties—the Technician will reach out immediately to the designated points of contact. Our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is reflected in our comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing through effective Health Surveillance services.
We are proud of the accreditations & certifications we have achieved.
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