Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Health Surveillance

Health surveillance is a proactive approach to monitoring the health of employees who are exposed to specific hazards in the workplace. It involves regular health checks and assessments designed to detect early signs of work-related ill health, ensuring that any potential health issues are identified and addressed promptly. In the UK, health surveillance is required under regulations such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, the Noise at Work Regulations 2005, and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. By implementing health surveillance, employers can protect workers from long-term health effects, comply with legal obligations, and improve overall workplace safety. This systematic monitoring helps in tailoring preventive measures, ensuring that the workforce remains healthy and productive.

Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…

Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.

The company has acknowledged that their employee’s health could be at risk from; but not restricted to;

Noise, vibration, respiratory disease, skin disease or irritation, eye irritation, solvents, fumes, dust, biological agents, etc.

Therefore the [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;

  1. All employees, especially supervisors, will be aware of the relevant health risks associated with the work activity
  2. All employees will be made aware of the initial signs of any work related ill health issues, i.e. tingling in the fingers could lead to vibration white finger.
  3. All employees will be encouraged to carry out self-checks, i.e. skin inspections, this will be reinforced and prompted during specific tool box talks.
  4. All employees are encouraged to report any possible ill health symptoms to their supervisor or head office.  
  5. Any requirements for specific health surveillance will be included in the risk assessment for any such activity
  6. To ensure the health of all employees the company will, so far as is reasonably practicable, initiate and maintain the following health surveillance system for all employees at risk.
    1. A short questionnaire as a first check for people joining the company or moving into jobs where they may be at risk
    1. A short questionnaire to be issued yearly to all employees at risk
    1. Where either of the above questionnaires identify a possible ill health issue the individual will be referred to an Occupational Health specialist for further assessment/s
    1. Any further action required/taken will be at the advice of the Occupational Health expert.

Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
  • Specific guidance available to download from the HSE web site i.e. Health surveillance for hand-arm vibration syndrome

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Written By Ian