Health surveillance

Regulation 6 requires employers to monitor the health of employees if the risk assessment shows this to be necessary. HSE online guidelines help employers decide whether their workers need health surveillance, how to go about it and how to use the results. They also make clear when action is not needed. Health surveillance is required if all the following criteria are met:

• there is an identifiable disease or adverse health effect and evidence of a link with workplace exposure;

• it is likely the disease or health effect may occur;

• there are valid techniques for detecting early signs of the disease or health effect; and

• these techniques do not pose a risk to employees.

Online guidance can be found on the HSE website under Health surveillance. There is also separate Guidance for occupational health providers, appointed doctors and employers during the coronavirus outbreak on its site.