What is Health Surveillance?

Health surveillance involves systematic, regular, and appropriate procedures designed to detect early signs of work-related ill health among employees exposed to workplace hazards.

Under UK law, employers must provide health surveillance for staff exposed to risks such as:

• Noise or vibration

• Ionising radiation

• Solvents, fumes, dusts, or biological agents

• Substances hazardous to health (including under COSHH)

• Work in compressed air environments

Health surveillance is usually carried out by an Occupational Health clinician on the employer’s premises. It may involve clinical tests tailored to the hazards present, alongside an assessment of the employee’s medical history. 

How can Health Surveillance benefit your business?

Partnering with OH One for accredited health surveillance helps your organisation to:

• Detect health problems early, reducing the risk of serious, long-term effects.

• Monitor and verify control measures, ensuring they remain effective.

• Provide valuable data to assess and manage health risks.

• Reinforce training and PPE compliance, reminding staff of the importance of ear defenders, masks, gloves, and other protective equipment.

OH One can also arrange Medical Surveillance for High-Risk Hazards, which must be conducted by a doctor. This applies to specific hazards covered under UK regulations, including:

• Asbestos

• Lead

• Ionising radiation

• Work with compressed air

• Other regulated exposures requiring statutory medical examinations

Is Health Surveillance a Legal Requirement? 

Yes. Employers have a statutory duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) to implement health surveillance where risks are identified through workplace Risk Assessment.

Guidance documents from the Health and Safety Executive set out specific thresholds and requirements for each hazard type. Employers should use their risk assessments to decide where health surveillance is necessary and must avoid blanket coverage for staff not exposed to risks.

In some cases, routine health surveillance highlights results that need a closer look — whether that’s hearing, respiratory health, skin concerns, musculoskeletal issues, or any other change that could affect someone’s wellbeing or safety at work. When this happens, OH One provides a focused Follow-up Assessment service to review the findings in more detail, understand what’s driving the change, and offer clear, practical next steps for both you and your employee. This ensures every result is managed proportionately, consistently, and with the right clinical oversight.