Call us 01732 446 276
Guidance on how health surveillance matrices are applied to assess workplace risks and determine appropriate surveillance requirements.
Following a review of your matrix, I would like to ensure that all tests being requested are supported by a documented risk assessment. Please note that health surveillance will only proceed where there is a clear, evidence‑based need, as unnecessary or blanket testing can expose the organisation to avoidable legal and data‑protection risks. Please review the information below and consider arranging a call with us if you require any further guidance.
I would also recommend reviewing the guidance below and completing risk assessments for each role or department to ensure anyone with a genuine risk of exposure is included:
HSE Health Surveillance Overview: Health surveillance – HSE
Managing Health Surveillance: Health surveillance – HSE
Fit-for-task medicals are separate from health surveillance, although they should also be risk-based. Where a role is such that a sudden incapacity could create a safety risk to the individual or to others, a safety-critical medical assessment is advisable.
https://www.staywelloh.co.uk/services/fit-for-task-assessments
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Existing hearing loss |
| 2 | High sensitivity to noise |
| 3 | History of significant noise exposure |
| 4 | Symptoms such as tinnitus or difficulty hearing in background noise |
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Risk assessment identifies exposure to a respiratory sensitiser – even low exposure (if not zero) warrants surveillance. |
| 2 | Workers reporting symptoms such as cough, wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or work related breathing issues |
| 3 | Controls that are variable or difficult to maintain- even with LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) and PPE, exposure levels are variable, and airborne dust can still be generated during routine tasks, especially in on site environments where controls are less consistent. |
| 4 | Reliance on PPE as a primary control. |
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Handling irritants or sensitisers – even with gloves or LEV, if exposure is possible, surveillance is expected. |
| 2 | Wet work as part of the job (e.g., healthcare, cleaning, catering, hairdressing, food production, construction). |
| 3 | Workers reporting symptoms such as dryness, redness, itching, cracking, or rashes. |
| 4 | Reliance on gloves as a primary control. |
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Workers likely to be exposed at or above the EAV. |
| 2 | Workers at increased risk (existing symptoms, high vibration tools, long term exposure). |
| 3 | Any scenario where the risk assessment indicates a realistic potential for HAVS. |
If you have questions regarding your certificate, test results, occupational health recommendations or next steps, our team will be happy to provide further guidance and support.