It involves systematically watching out for early signs of work-related ill health for workers exposed to certain risks. It includes:
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Skin checks – carried out by an occupational health nurse or other qualified person looking for skin damage and other signs of dermatitis on the hands that can result from using certain chemicals. These include isocyanates (used in two-pack paints and some glues), cement, solvents, cleaning agents or preservatives such as formaldehyde.
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Technical checks, such as hearing tests (see our section on noise and hearing for more information) or lung functions tests.
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Taking a blood test, eg for blood lead levels.
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Giving a urine sample, eg to monitor isocyanates absorbed into the body.
Because its aim is to identify work-related ill health or injury, health surveillance is not the same as a normal health check-up with your GP.
