What is Occupational Health Surveillance?

Occupational health surveillance involves checking the health of individual employees exposed to specific health risks at work. This is done by looking for adverse changes to their health that may be caused by hazardous substances. It is most effective when these changes can be detected at an early stage. In some circumstances the information obtained may also be used to decide upon control measures and to collect data for detecting or evaluating hazards to health.

Occupational health surveillance is required by law for some occupations, activities or when certain substances are used. If your job involves working with noise, vibration, solvents, some metals or other hazardous substances, then this might be the case for your employees. Occupational health surveillance is not required for most workers. If there is any doubt as to whether or not it is required then you should seek advice from a competent person, such as an occupational health or health and safety professional.