Health surveillance for construction and engineering
The risks that come with the job.
HSE says construction has one of the highest rates of ill health caused by noise and vibration.
Noise
Breakers, saws and plant can push exposure above the levels where hearing checks are required.
Hand-arm vibration
Breakers, grinders, disc cutters and hammer drills can cause damage that is largely irreversible.
Silica and wood dust
Cutting stone, concrete and brick releases silica, which causes lung disease, and wood dust can cause asthma.
Lifting and safety-critical work
Musculoskeletal disorders make up over half of construction's work-related ill health in Great Britain, and plant operators need to be fit to work safely.
The checks we recommend.
Matched to each trade's exposures. Hearing, HAVS and lung function checks form part of a health surveillance programme, with results tracked over time.
Hearing tests (audiometry)
For breaker, saw and plant operatives, and anyone working near them.
When it applies
- GB and NI: required above 85 dB(A), or where there's another risk
- Ireland: preventive audiometry offered above 80 dB(A)
- HSE suggests a baseline, then yearly for two years, then every three years
- Hearing protection doesn't remove the need for checks
Hand-arm vibration (HAVS) assessments
For breaker, grinder, disc cutter, hammer drill and compactor users.
When it applies
- Where exposure is likely to reach 2.5 m/s² A(8), the action value
- A baseline before exposure, then at least yearly
- Grip strength and musculoskeletal checks alongside
Lung function tests (spirometry)
For stonemasons, cutting and drilling trades exposed to silica, and carpenters and joiners exposed to wood dust.
When it applies
- A baseline before exposure, or soon after starting
- Usually repeated every year
- Respiratory history taken at the pre-employment medical
Fitness medicals for safety-critical roles
For plant operators and others whose health could affect safety on site. These follow industry and client standards rather than a specific law.
When it applies
- Pre-employment medical with a clear fitness outcome
- Vision, blood pressure, glucose and resting ECG
- Fit-to-work certificate, if clinically appropriate
Drug and alcohol testing
For safety-critical roles, such as machinery and plant operators, where your policy calls for it.
When it applies
- Carried out by our clinicians
- Needs the employee's consent
- Results included in your report
Musculoskeletal and return-to-work checks
For manual handling roles, and for staff coming back after injury.
When it applies
- Musculoskeletal assessment
- Grip strength test
- Return-to-work medicals after absence
Your duties as an employer.
The main regulations behind health surveillance on construction and engineering sites. This is a summary to help you plan, not legal advice.
Great Britain
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005(opens in a new tab)
Hearing checks for workers regularly exposed above 85 dB(A), or otherwise at risk.
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance at or above the 2.5 m/s² action value, at least yearly under HSE's L140 guidance.
- COSHH Regulations 2002, regulation 11(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance for silica, wood dust and other substances where disease is reasonably likely. Records kept for 40 years.
- Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 22(opens in a new tab)
Licensed and notifiable asbestos work needs medicals by a relevant doctor, every two or three years depending on the work.
Northern Ireland
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations (NI) 2006, regulation 9(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance, including hearing tests, where the risk assessment shows a risk.
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (NI) 2005(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance for workers at risk from hand-arm vibration.
- COSHH Regulations (NI) 2003(opens in a new tab)
The same tests for when health surveillance is needed as in GB.
- Control of Asbestos Regulations (NI) 2012(opens in a new tab)
Licensed asbestos work needs an HSENI-appointed doctor; notifiable non-licensed work a medical every three years.
Republic of Ireland
- General Application Regulations 2007, regulation 131(opens in a new tab)
Hearing checks by a registered medical practitioner above 85 dB(A), and preventive audiometry offered above 80 dB(A).
- General Application Regulations 2007, regulation 141(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance above 2.5 m/s²: a baseline, again after six months, then usually yearly.
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, section 13(opens in a new tab)
Employees must not be under the influence of intoxicants to the point of endangering themselves or others. No law requires testing; any testing is a matter for your policy and employment contracts.
Straightforward to arrange, from one starter to every site.
- Step 1
Tell us what you need
Share your workforce size, locations and screening requirements. We'll recommend the right checks.
- Step 2
We organise the checks
We arrange appointments at your workplace or in clinic and carry out the assessments.
- Step 3
Access your results
View fitness outcomes and download your documents from the employer portal.
Roles we commonly screen
- Groundworkers and labourers
- Breaker and cutting-tool operatives
- Stonemasons
- Carpenters and joiners
- Plant operators
- Fabricators and welders
- Site supervisors
Common questions
Questions employers in construction and engineering often ask us.
Still have a question?
Our team can help with anything specific to your workforce.
Let’s plan health surveillance for your sites.
Tell us about the roles and sites in your team and we'll recommend the right checks with a clear price.