Health surveillance for noise, vibration and dust
When the law requires it.
Health surveillance is needed where workers remain exposed to a health risk even after you've put controls in place. It checks those controls are working; it doesn't replace them.
Noise
In GB and NI, hearing checks for workers regularly exposed above 85 dB(A). In Ireland, preventive audiometry is offered above 80 dB(A).
Hand-arm vibration
Where exposure is likely to reach the 2.5 m/s² A(8) action value, in all three jurisdictions.
Dust, fumes and sensitisers
Where a substance can cause an identifiable disease, such as occupational asthma from flour, wood dust or isocyanates, and it's reasonably likely to occur.
People at particular risk
Workers with existing hearing loss or vibration symptoms may need checks below the usual trigger levels.
The checks we carry out.
Each check starts with a baseline and is repeated at intervals, so changes show up early. Frequencies below are from official guidance.
Hearing tests (audiometry)
For workers exposed to noise above the trigger levels, and anyone at particular risk.
What it covers
- A baseline before exposure, or soon after
- HSE: yearly for two years, then every three years
- More often if a problem is found
- Hearing protection doesn't remove the need
Hand-arm vibration (HAVS) assessments
For regular users of breakers, grinders, hammer drills and other vibrating tools.
What it covers
- HSE: a baseline, then at least yearly
- Ireland: a baseline, six months later, then usually yearly
- Grip strength and musculoskeletal checks
- A fitness outcome for your health record
Lung function tests (spirometry)
For workers exposed to respiratory sensitisers and dusts, with a respiratory history taken alongside.
What it covers
- A baseline before exposure, or within about six weeks
- Usually yearly, more often for new workers
- Questionnaire and spirometry, as HSE's asthma guidance describes
Vision and musculoskeletal checks
Supporting checks for safety-critical or physically demanding work. Vision screening isn't the DSE eye and eyesight test.
What it covers
- Vision screening
- Musculoskeletal assessment
- Grip strength test
- Fit-to-work certificate, if clinically appropriate
Records, results and confidentiality.
HSE says health surveillance isn't complete until you've received the results and acted on them. It also separates what you keep from what stays with the clinician.
Your health record
A legal record of the outcome: the worker's details, where they work, the hazards they're exposed to and their fitness to continue. It doesn't include medical information.
HSE: keeping records(opens in a new tab)The medical record
Kept in confidence by the occupational health professional. You can see it only with the worker's written consent.
How long to keep records
COSHH health records for at least 40 years from the last entry. For noise and vibration, HSE says at least while you employ the worker.
COSHH Regulations 2002, regulation 11(opens in a new tab)Acting on the results
Where ill health is found, review your risk assessment and controls, consider alternative work, and review others who've been similarly exposed.
HSE: act on the results(opens in a new tab)Attending checks
In GB and NI, employees must attend during working hours, at your cost. In Ireland, surveillance is offered and employees may decline; the HSA recommends recording any refusal.
HSA: a short guide to health surveillance(opens in a new tab)
Your duties as an employer.
The regulations that require health surveillance for the exposures we cover. This is a summary to help you plan, not legal advice.
Great Britain
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 6(opens in a new tab)
The general duty to provide health surveillance appropriate to the risks found in your risk assessment.
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, regulation 9(opens in a new tab)
Hearing checks for workers regularly exposed above 85 dB(A), or at risk for any reason.
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, regulation 7(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance where exposure is likely to reach the 2.5 m/s² A(8) action value, at least yearly under HSE's L140 guidance.
- COSHH Regulations 2002, regulation 11(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance where a substance can cause an identifiable disease that's reasonably likely to occur. Records kept for 40 years.
Northern Ireland
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (NI) 2000, regulation 6(opens in a new tab)
The same general duty as in GB, in the same words.
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations (NI) 2006, regulation 9(opens in a new tab)
Hearing tests where there's a risk to health. HSENI applies the 85 dB(A) upper action value and requires employees to attend.
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (NI) 2005, regulation 7(opens in a new tab)
The same 2.5 m/s² A(8) action value and health surveillance duties as in GB.
- COSHH Regulations (NI) 2003, regulation 11(opens in a new tab)
Mirrors GB, including 40-year records and the employee's duty to attend.
Republic of Ireland
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, section 22(opens in a new tab)
Employers must make health surveillance appropriate to the risks in the risk assessment available to employees.
- General Application Regulations 2007, regulation 131(opens in a new tab)
A hearing check by a registered medical practitioner above 85 dB(A), and preventive audiometry above 80 dB(A).
- General Application Regulations 2007, regulation 141(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance above the 2.5 m/s² action value: a baseline, again six months later, then usually yearly.
- Chemical Agents Regulations 2001, regulation 10(opens in a new tab)
Health surveillance under an occupational healthcare professional where a chemical agent can cause an identifiable disease.
Straightforward to arrange, from one employee 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.
Workers who often need it
- Breaker and cutting-tool operatives
- Grinder and power tool users
- Machine operators in noisy workplaces
- Bakers and flour handlers
- Woodworkers, carpenters and joiners
- Paint sprayers using isocyanates
- Solderers
Common questions
Questions employers often ask us about health surveillance.
Still have a question?
Our team can help with anything specific to your workforce.
Let’s plan your health surveillance.
Tell us about your sites and exposures and we'll recommend the right checks with a clear price.