In today’s evolving workplaces, protecting employee health isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a critical part of building a safe, productive, and sustainable organisation.
Health surveillance plays a key role in identifying early signs of work-related ill health, helping employers act before conditions worsen or lead to long-term absence.
At Health Matters Occupational Health (HMOH), we help businesses meet their obligations while safeguarding the health and wellbeing of their people. But what exactly is health surveillance, and why does it matter?
What Is Health Surveillance and Why Is It Important?
Health surveillance is a planned, regular programme of health checks that aims to detect ill health arising from exposure to specific workplace hazards and substances. It is not just a general check-up, it is a targeted, risk-based approach linked to identified hazards in the workplace.
It is crucial for:
- Early detection of health conditions caused or worsened by work (e.g. hearing loss, asthma, occupational dermatitis, and vibration related disorders).
- Prevention of long-term health damage or disability through early intervention.
- Monitoring control measures to ensure they’re effective.
- Protecting employees’ health, fostering trust and safety in the workplace.
Legal Duties: What Does the Law Say?
Employers in Northern Ireland are legally required to carry out health surveillance under several key regulations, including:
- The Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (COSHH)
- The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
- The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005
These laws require employers to:
- Assess health risks
- Implement control measures
- Carry out appropriate health surveillance where risks remain
Failure to do so can result in enforcement action, claims for industrial injury, and reputational damage.
When Is Health Surveillance Required?
Health surveillance is required when risk assessments identify a residual risk to health, even after controls are in place. Some common scenarios include:
| Hazard | Health Risk | Example Workplaces |
| Noise | Hearing loss, tinnitus | Manufacturing, construction |
| Hand-arm vibration | Vibration White Finger / HAVS | Engineering, grounds maintenance |
| Solvents or chemicals | Dermatitis, occupational asthma | Cleaning, painting, laboratory work |
| Respiratory sensitizers | Occupational asthma | Sawmills, bakeries, chemical plants |
If you’re unsure, a competent occupational health provider like HMOH can help determine whether health surveillance is necessary.
The HMOH Approach: Practical, Proactive, Professional
At HMOH, we work closely with employers to deliver tailored, efficient, and compliant health surveillance programmes.
Our support includes:
- Workplace risk profiling to determine required health checks.
- Qualified clinical assessments, including audiometry, spirometry, skin assessments, and HAVS assessments.
- Support from a dedicated and experienced team of occupational health professionals.
- Secure documentation and reporting to support your compliance and risk management.
- Ongoing reviews to adjust the programme based on findings and operational needs.
Taking Action to Protect Your People
Health surveillance isn’t a box-ticking exercise, it’s a vital part of your risk management strategy and employee wellbeing commitment.
By partnering with HMOH, you gain access to experienced clinicians, tailored services, and practical tools to protect your team and your business. Contact our Newry Clinic on 028 3044 0509, Belfast Clinic on 028 9002 1427 or complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will get back to to discuss a health surveillance programme that works for your business.