Assess risk
Identify hazards, exposure groups and existing controls.
Workplace health surveillance, made clear
Workplace health surveillance services for clearer action.
Build a risk-led programme around your workforce, workplace hazards and operating pattern, with a clear route from scoping to reporting and recall.
- Risk-led, not test-led
- Employer-focused
- Medical confidentiality protected
Risk signalProgramme pathway
01NoiseHearing
02VibrationHAVS
03AirborneRespiratory
04ContactSkin
Guidance, not an automated medical or legal decision.
The essential distinction
Surveillance is one part of the control system.
Health surveillance is a programme of repeated, risk-led health checks intended to identify early signs of work-related ill health. It may be needed when employees remain exposed to identifiable health risks despite suitable controls.
Understand when it may be requiredControl exposure
Prevent or reduce exposure as far as reasonably practicable.
Monitor health
Use suitable surveillance where the risk-led criteria are met.
Act on signals
Interpret outcomes, review controls and plan follow-up.
Assessment pathways
Services connected to a specific risk.
Every pathway explains who may need surveillance, what an assessment may involve and what happens after a concern is identified.
Noise
Audiometry
Hearing surveillance can help identify early signs of noise-related hearing damage where a workplace noise risk assessment indicates a risk to health.
Explore audiometryDust, fumes and respiratory sensitisers
Spirometry
Spirometry measures lung function and may form part of surveillance for employees exposed to respiratory hazards where the risk-led criteria are met.
Explore spirometryHand-arm vibration
HAVS surveillance
Health surveillance may be required where the vibration risk assessment shows a risk to health, including employees exposed at or above the exposure action value or otherwise considered at risk.
Explore havs surveillanceSkin irritants, sensitisers and wet work
Skin surveillance
Regular skin checks may be appropriate where employees remain exposed to substances or work patterns associated with occupational dermatitis.
Explore skin surveillanceSubstances hazardous to health
COSHH surveillance
COSHH surveillance is required in defined circumstances where exposure can be linked to an identifiable health effect, valid detection techniques exist and workplace conditions make that effect reasonably likely.
Explore coshh surveillanceCoordinated workforce delivery
Onsite programmes
Where onsite delivery is appropriate and available, several risk-led surveillance activities can be coordinated into a structured workplace clinic.
Explore onsite programmesBuilt around operations
One site, several shifts or a changing workforce.
Programme scoping should account for exposure groups, worker numbers, site access, assessment space, shift patterns, missed appointments and the route for clinical escalation.
Plan your programmeWorkforceProgrammeAction
Single siteExposure groupsReporting
Multi-siteCoordinated visitsRecall
Shift workTimed clinicsEscalation
Onsite availability and delivery coverage are confirmed during scoping.
How it works
From risk review to a managed programme.
Enquire
Share the risks, workforce and practical requirements.
Scope
Map exposure groups to appropriate surveillance.
Schedule
Agree delivery, communications and site readiness.
Assess
Complete checks with consent and confidentiality.
Review
Interpret results and arrange proportionate follow-up.
Report
Provide work-relevant outcomes and recall actions.
Confidentiality by design
The employer record and the medical record are not the same thing.
Health record
Contains the work-relevant surveillance outcome, exposure information and fitness to continue with the relevant work. It should not contain confidential medical detail without written consent.
Medical record
Contains clinical notes, test results and health information. It is kept in medical confidence by the occupational-health professional.
Industry context matters
Useful guidance for real operating environments.
These pages focus on distinct hazards and logistics rather than changing only the sector name.
Common questions
Clear answers before you enquire.
For decisions about a specific workplace, combine official guidance with competent advice.
View all frequently asked questionsWhen is workplace health surveillance required?
It may be required where employees remain exposed to a relevant workplace health risk despite controls, an identifiable adverse effect is linked to that exposure and valid detection techniques are available. The decision should follow the risk assessment and applicable regulations.
Is health surveillance the same as a general health check?
No. Health surveillance is repeated, risk-led checking connected to a specific workplace exposure. It is not a general wellness screen or a substitute for controlling exposure.
What information does an employer receive?
The employer receives the health-record outcome and work-relevant recommendations needed to manage risk. Confidential medical records and detailed clinical information remain in medical confidence.
Can several assessments be organised together?
Often, but only where each assessment is indicated for the employee’s exposure group. Delivery method and availability are confirmed during scoping.
Your next clear action
Scope a programme around your workforce.
Tell us about the hazards, employee numbers, sites and working patterns. Do not include employee medical data.