Health / Medical Surveillance 

Health surveillance is a system of ongoing health checks which may be required by law for those employees who are exposed to work-related factors such as noise, vibration, solvents, fumes, dusts and biological agents, or other substances hazardous to health. Health surveillance is directed by statute and the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) provides guidance and regulatory oversight. Examples include: Hearing tests; Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS); Lung symptom questioning and lung function tests

Health surveillance schemes should usually be set up with input from a competent Occupational Health professional.

The law requires that health surveillance includes medical surveillance for certain hazards such as asbestos, lead, and ionising radiation. Where medical surveillance is required, you must use a competent Occupational Health doctor appointed by the HSENI, called an Appointed Doctor. The one exception is for some lower risk asbestos work. Both Dr R Black and Dr A Black are Appointed Doctors under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, whilst Dr R Black is also an Appointed Doctor under the Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017.