Health Surveillance for COSHH
Enquire NowAt Health Surveillance for COSHH, we provide monitoring programmes for employees exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002) require employers to assess risks, control exposures, and provide health surveillance where there is a risk of illness.
Our process applies to industries such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, laboratories, food production, and cleaning.
Our services ensure early detection of work-related illness, secure record keeping, and full compliance with HSE standards.
Request a free consultation with a medical technician for COSHH assessments today.
Why Is Health Surveillance Important Under COSHH?
Hazardous substances such as dusts, fumes, chemicals, gases, and vapours can cause occupational asthma, dermatitis, cancer, or lung disease.
Many of these conditions develop slowly, with early signs often going unnoticed.
Health surveillance ensures early detection so interventions can be made before illness becomes serious, protecting workers and ensuring employers meet legal obligations under COSHH.
What Does Health Surveillance for COSHH Involve?
Surveillance varies depending on the type of substance and level of exposure. It may include baseline health questionnaires, skin checks, spirometry (lung function testing), audiometry, blood tests, or urine monitoring.
Employees are also asked about symptoms linked to exposure, such as coughing, rashes, or headaches.
Any concerns are referred to an occupational health professional for further assessment.
Who Needs Health Surveillance Under COSHH?
Employees working with substances that can cause asthma, dermatitis, cancers, or blood disorders require health surveillance.
Examples include flour dust in bakeries, silica dust in construction, benzene in petrochemical industries, and formaldehyde in laboratories.
COSHH assessments identify which employees are at risk and determine the type of monitoring required.
How Often Should COSHH Health Surveillance Be Conducted?
For example, workers exposed to flour or silica may require annual spirometry, asbestos workers need medicals every two years, and those exposed to lead or benzene may need blood tests every few months.
The frequency of medical assessments for COSHH regulations depends on the hazard.
Employers must follow COSHH risk assessments and occupational health advice to set the correct intervals.
What Are the Benefits of Health Surveillance for COSHH?
The main benefit is that it protects employees while ensuring employers comply with legal duties.
The key benefits include:
Detects early signs of illness caused by hazardous substances.
Ensures COSHH compliance.
Reduces sickness absence and supports productivity.
Protects businesses from HSE enforcement action.
Demonstrates employer duty of care to staff.
Is Health Surveillance Under COSHH a Legal Requirement?
COSHH requires employers to provide health surveillance where there is a risk to health from hazardous substances.
We include industries such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and laboratories.
Records must also be kept securely for up to 40 years (or 50 years for radiation workers) due to the long latency of many occupational diseases.
What is the Cost of Health Surveillance for COSHH?
The cost of health surveillance for COSHH is from £50 to £80 per employee.
Advanced assessments such as spirometry, audiometry, or blood tests range from £100 to £200+ per employee.
The cost depends on the number of employees and the type of tests required.
Employers can reduce costs by arranging tailored packages for their workforce.
What Happens If Abnormal Results Are Found During COSHH Surveillance?
If surveillance identifies symptoms or abnormal results, the employee will be referred for further medical assessment.
They may need adjustments to their role, temporary removal from exposure, or medical treatment.
Employers must review workplace controls and act on occupational health advice to ensure staff safety and maintain compliance with COSHH.
How Are Health Surveillance Records for COSHH Managed?
Health surveillance records must be stored securely and retained for at least 40 years, as illnesses linked to hazardous substances may take decades to develop.
These records include baseline assessments, test results, and certificates of fitness to work. While confidential, they must be available to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for inspection when required.
Request a Free Quote for Health Surveillance for COSHH Today
At Health Surveillance, we provide professional and legally compliant monitoring for COSHH to protect staff and support businesses.
Our services detect early illness, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide reassurance for employees.
Contact Health Surveillance for COSHH today to arrange a tailored programme for your workplace.
Other Services We Offer
At Health Surveillance, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
Health Surveillance for Skin Checks
Health Surveillance for Asbestos
Health Surveillance for Bakery Workers
Health Surveillance for Benzene
Health Surveillance for Radiation Workers
Health Surveillance for Silica Exposure
Health Surveillance for Formaldehyde
Health Surveillance for Dermatitis
Health Surveillance for Mental Health