Occupational health for councils, schools and colleges
Different roles, different risks.
One workforce can cover very different exposures, from the classroom to the grounds.
Work-related stress
HSE figures show rates of work-related stress, depression and anxiety in education and public administration are significantly higher than the average for all industries in Great Britain.
Noise and vibration
Mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers and power tools expose grounds and maintenance staff to noise and hand-arm vibration.
Cleaning and maintenance substances
Some cleaning and maintenance products can cause asthma or dermatitis, which may call for health surveillance.
Manual handling
Caretakers, refuse crews and facilities staff lift and carry every day, so manual handling risks need assessing.
The checks we recommend.
Matched to the role, so each person only has the checks their work calls for.
Hearing tests (audiometry)
For grounds, refuse and maintenance staff exposed to noise from mowers, strimmers and power tools.
When it applies
- GB and NI: required above 85 dB(A), or where there's another risk
- Ireland: audiometry offered above 80 dB(A), hearing checks above 85 dB(A)
- A baseline before exposure, then regular reviews
Hand-arm vibration (HAVS) assessments
For staff using strimmers, hedge trimmers, mowers and other vibrating tools.
When it applies
- Where exposure is likely to reach 2.5 m/s² A(8), the action value
- Checked on joining the role
- HSENI recommends yearly checks after that
Lung function tests (spirometry)
For cleaning and maintenance staff where a substance they use is linked to occupational asthma.
When it applies
- Where your COSHH assessment identifies a breathing risk
- A baseline, then regular reviews
Pre-employment medicals
Confirm new starters are fit for the role, after a conditional offer of employment.
When it applies
- Held after a conditional offer
- Tests matched to the role
- Outcome: fit, fit with restrictions, temporarily unfit, or further assessment needed
Return-to-work medicals
Support staff coming back after illness or injury, with a clear outcome you can plan around.
When it applies
- After long-term absence or injury
- A clear fitness outcome
- Musculoskeletal assessment where relevant
Stress and wellbeing checks
Insight to support your stress risk assessment, plus a check on common health risks. They support your assessment; they don't replace it.
When it applies
- Stress and fatigue risk review
- Mental health screening questionnaire
- Blood pressure, BMI, glucose and cholesterol
Your duties as an employer.
The main regulations and sector rules that shape health checks in the public sector and education. 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 where exposure is likely at or above the 2.5 m/s² action value.
- Equality Act 2010, section 60(opens in a new tab)
Don't ask health questions before a job offer, except in limited cases.
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (England)(opens in a new tab)
Schools must verify a candidate's mental and physical fitness, with offers conditional on checks.
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, regulation 7(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance for workers likely to be exposed at or above the action value.
- Equality Commission NI guidance(opens in a new tab)
Section 60 doesn't apply in NI, but the Commission advises asking health questions only after a conditional offer.
Republic of Ireland
- General Application Regulations 2007, regulation 131(opens in a new tab)
Audiometry offered to workers regularly exposed above 80 dB(A), and hearing checks above 85 dB(A): a baseline, again within a year, then every three years.
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005(opens in a new tab)
Employers must assess psychosocial hazards, including stress. The HSA's Work Positive tool can help.
- Department of Education Circular 0013/2024(opens in a new tab)
Registered teachers' fitness checks and sick-leave referrals go through the Department's contracted Occupational Health Service.
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
- Grounds and parks staff
- Refuse and recycling crews
- Caretakers and maintenance staff
- Cleaning staff
- Office and administrative staff
- Teaching and support staff
- Drivers
Common questions
Questions employers in the public sector and education often ask us.
Still have a question?
Our team can help with anything specific to your workforce.
Let’s plan checks across your sites.
Tell us about the roles and sites in your team and we'll recommend the right checks with a clear price.