ABSTRACT
Occupational health (OH) surveillance is about systematically watching for early signs of work-related ill health in employees exposed to certain health risks. In many settings there is a statutory requirement to undertake health and or medical surveillance and to keep appropriate records for 40 years after the last entry, but it can also be introduced if a particular health risk is identified. It is primarily aimed at prevention and starts with a risk assessment of the hazard, who might be harmed and how. It usually involves a set of questions and standardised tests and examinations of individuals in a selected exposed group. It is also an opportunity for the employer and the employees to be informed and instructed in the hazard, the risk controls and the health consequences. Those who show signs of health issues can be readily identified and measures put in place to prevent further harm.
