Employers may need to arrange for employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) to be placed under health surveillance. Health surveillance is collecting and using information about workers’ health, related to their work. This can be done using health surveillance.
Where workers are regularly exposed to RCS dust and there is a reasonable likelihood that silicosis may develop, health surveillance must be provided. Examples of high-risk activities, include construction, brick and tile work, ceramics, slate, manufacturing, quarries and stonework.
Health surveillance for silicosis should be determined through discussion with an occupational health provider and may include the uses of health questionnaires and lung function assessments. In some cases a chest X-ray may be undertaken if an occupational health doctor feels it is necessary as part of the clinical investigation of an individual who reports new or worsening respiratory or other symptoms.
The precise form of health surveillance will depend on the particular circumstances of exposure (level, frequency and duration) identified by the risk assessment.
Further detailed information in relation to health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is contained within COSHH essential general guidance G404 Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
Employees should always cooperate with their employer or works doctor/nurse if health surveillance is required.
Health surveillance is never an alternative to the proper control of exposure. It is not the same as health screening or health promotion.
More information about choosing an occupational health provider is available by reading Tips for purchasing occupational health services.
