Work-related illnesses have a significant impact on both individuals and the wider economy. People may have a lower quality of life, face financial stress, and be less productive.
In 2023/24, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) calculated that 33.7 million working days were lost across the UK as a result of work-related illnesses and non-fatal injuries in the workplace. This included stress, depression or anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders.
Consequently, employers are experiencing reduced productivity because of the resulting absences. For professionals working in occupational health, this situation poses both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to reverse this downward trend in health and improve the current situation. The opportunity comes through our ability to advise employers on how to manage and control the risks that affect health.
In this article we discuss what health surveillance is, why it's important and the methods available for managing risk in the workplace.
What is health surveillance?
Health surveillance isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it's the collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data. We do this to detect, monitor, and prevent potential health risks in the workplace.
Organisations often use it to track employee exposure to hazards. It helps find early signs of work-related illnesses and ensures compliance with health and safety rules. In short, it is a proactive approach to workplace health. Ensuring early intervention, compliance, and a safer work environment.
The key to success depends on having a clear, well-defined policy that everyone supports. This needs agreement between workers and management. They must discuss responsibilities, how to manage outcomes, and what to do if health issues arise.
Why is health surveillance important?
For occupational health practitioners, understanding health surveillance is essential to preventing work-related illnesses and fostering a healthier, more productive workplace.
Effective health surveillance not only safeguards employees' physical wellbeing but also supports the organisation’s operational strength. It is one of the most important parts of occupational health. It improves safety, increases productivity, and creates a workplace culture that values health and saves lives. Here's why it matters:
1. Early detection of health issues
Regular monitoring helps identify early signs of work-related illnesses, allowing for timely medical intervention before conditions worsen.
2. Prevents long-term health problems
By identifying risks early, appropriate measures can be taken to prevent chronic diseases caused by workplace hazards. Such as respiratory issues from dust exposure or hearing loss from excessive noise.
3. Ensures compliance with regulations
Employers must follow health and safety laws. This includes the Health and Safety at Work Act in the UK and OSHA rules in the US. Health surveillance ensures legal compliance and helps avoid fines or legal consequences.
4. Protects workers from harmful exposure
Monitoring exposure to hazardous substances (like chemicals, noise, or vibration) helps employers make informed decisions to reduce risks. Such as providing better protective equipment or improving ventilation.
5. Improves workplace safety and productivity
A healthy workforce leads to fewer sick days, lower absenteeism, and improved overall productivity, benefiting both employees and employers.
6. Supports risk assessments and safety measures
Health surveillance data gives important information. This helps organisations improve risk assessments and create better health and safety policies.
Managing workplace risk: The Hierarchy of Controls
Occupational health professionals often rely on the hierarchy of controls as a structured and effective method for managing workplace risks. This proven method ranks control measures from the most effective to the least effective. It helps reduce long-term risks and protects workers from harm. The five levels are:
- Elimination - Completely remove the hazard from the workplace
- Substitution - Replace the hazard with a safer alternative
- Engineering Controls - Design solutions that isolate people from the hazard
- Administrative Controls - Modify how work is performed to reduce exposure
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Use equipment to protect workers directly
In many situations, a combination of these controls provides the best protection. Implementing them successfully requires collaboration - working closely with employees to identify hazards and design effective, practical solutions.
Is health surveillance a legal requirement?
Statutory health surveillance starts when workers are exposed to harmful substances. These substances include noise, vibration, radiation, solvents, fumes, dust, and biological agents. Because of this, health surveillance is a legal requirement in many countries. The requirement often depends on national health and safety laws and the nature of the work.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 is a UK law that outlines employers' responsibilities for managing health and safety in the workplace. It builds upon the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and emphasises proactive risk management. The regulations require employers to assess workplace risks, implement control measures, provide information and training, and establish emergency procedures.
Legal frameworks for other countries:
| United States |
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires health surveillance under regulations like the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). As well as specific industry standards for asbestos, lead, and noise exposure. |
| European Union |
The EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC requires employers to assess and mitigate risks, including health surveillance where necessary. |
| Australia |
The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 mandates health monitoring for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, asbestos or lead. |
Occupational health training
With a focus on occupational health surveillance, businesses can help to develop a strong, safe and vibrant workplace culture.
At Amplivox, we pride ourselves on being trusted by many leading occupational health organisations to provide competence-based training solutions. Developed specifically for occupational health professionals, our courses ensure delegates have the necessary skills for a standardised, accurate and consistent approach to health screening.
Each course is suitable for all levels of experience. From occupational health and primary care professionals through to those with little experience, or are new to their role.
Our syllabus includes both theory and practical sessions. This gives delegates a wide understanding of the subject and how to apply what they've learned in real situations.
For more information about our occupational health training courses, please visit our webpage. You can also contact our customer support team at +44 (0)1865 880 846 or by email.
References
The National Safety Council (NSC). Accessed at: https://www.nsc.org/
iOH, Why managing risk and health surveillance is important as an occupational health practitioner (Nov 2024). Accessed at: https://ioh.org.uk/2024/11/why-managing-risk-and-health-surveillance-is-important-as-an-occupational-health-practitioner/
Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Managing risks and risk assessment at work. Accessed at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk