Why is Health Surveillance in the Workplace Vital?

Keeping employees healthy and supporting their wellbeing should be a top priority for employers across every industry. Poor health can affect an employee’s quality of life, ability to carry out their role and overall performance at work. Certain workplace hazards can also increase the risk of employees developing occupational health conditions. Health surveillance helps employers monitor employees exposed to specific health risks in the workplace.

By regularly checking for early signs of work-related ill health, it can help identify potential concerns and ensure appropriate action. We discuss the role of workplace health surveillance, what it involves, and when it can be beneficial.

Health Surveillance Explained

Health surveillance is a system of regular health checks used to monitor employees who may be exposed to particular health risks through their work. It is designed to identify early signs of work-related ill health, allowing potential concerns to be recognised before they become more serious. The type of surveillance required depends on the hazards present in a workplace and the roles employees carry out.

Health surveillance is not just about checking whether an employee is healthy, it also focuses on identifying changes that could be linked to workplace exposure. By monitoring employee health over time, employers can better understand whether existing control measures are effective and whether further action is needed to protect their teams.

What Can Health Surveillance Involve?

Health surveillance can involve a range of assessments depending on the health risks associated with a particular role and working environment. At Precision Health, we provide a variety of health surveillance services designed to monitor relevant aspects of employee health and identify potential concerns early.

The assessments provided will depend on the individual workplace. They may include general health checks, cancer screening, vision screening and ergonomic assessments, helping companies take a proactive approach to employee wellbeing.

General Health Checks

General health checks can provide an overview of an employee’s health and may help identify potential concerns that could require further attention. These assessments can increase employees' awareness of their health while giving employers relevant occupational health information. Depending on the workplace and employee role, checks can be tailored to focus on relevant health risks and support wider workplace health and wellbeing.

Vision Screening

Employees in certain roles may rely heavily on their vision to work safely and effectively. Vision screening can help assess an employee’s eyesight and identify potential issues that may affect their ability to perform their role. Regular screening can be particularly useful where employees work with display screen equipment or carry out tasks where good vision is important.

Ergonomic Assessments

Ergonomic assessments can help identify factors within an employee’s workstation or working environment that may contribute to discomfort or musculoskeletal problems. This can involve reviewing the employee’s workstation, posture, equipment and working practices. Appropriate recommendations can then help employees work more comfortably and reduce potential risks associated with poor workplace ergonomics.

How is Health Surveillance Carried Out?

Health surveillance begins by considering the potential health risks employees may face through their work. Employers can then select appropriate assessments based on these risks, the employee’s role, and their working environment. Occupational health professionals can help employers determine the right type of surveillance and how to carry it out.

Employees can then undergo the relevant health assessments, with qualified professionals reviewing the results. If a potential concern or change in health is identified, professionals can provide appropriate advice or recommendations. Ongoing surveillance can also help monitor employee health over time and highlight where further action may be beneficial.

Health surveillance may be required where employees are exposed to workplace hazards that could cause or contribute to an identifiable health condition. The need for surveillance depends on the risks present, the type of work being carried out, and the level of employee exposure. Some common situations where health surveillance may be appropriate include:

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Employees who regularly work with substances that could harm their health may benefit from health surveillance. This can help monitor early signs of health effects associated with exposure and provide an opportunity to take appropriate action. Regular monitoring can also help employers assess whether existing measures are effectively controlling the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace.

Noise and Vibration Exposure

Regular exposure to excessive workplace noise or vibration can potentially affect employee health over time. Health surveillance can help monitor employees who are exposed to these hazards as part of their roles. Depending on the type of exposure, appropriate assessments can help identify early changes in hearing or other potential health concerns, allowing employers to take action where necessary.

Workplace Dust and Other Hazards

Employees working in environments where they may be exposed to dust, fumes or other potentially harmful workplace hazards may also require health surveillance. This is particularly relevant in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering. Monitoring employee health can help identify potential work-related concerns and support employers in reviewing their existing control measures where necessary.

Contact Precision Health Today

If you are considering introducing health surveillance into your workplace, Precision Health can provide professional support. We offer a range of health surveillance services designed to monitor employee health and identify potential concerns early. Our services can include general health checks, cancer screening, vision screening and ergonomic assessments, helping employers take a proactive approach to protecting their team. 

We tailor our health surveillance services to your employees' needs and working environment, helping to meet your responsibilities while supporting employee health and wellbeing. To find out more about our health surveillance services and how we can support your workplace, get in touch with Precision Health today.