Health Surveillance vs Occupational Health: what’s the difference?

Keeping Workers Healthy: Occupational Health vs Health Surveillance

Within Occupational Health, there can be some confusion between two key practices: occupational health and health surveillance.

Understanding the difference between the two is essential for businesses aiming to maintain compliance with UK health standards.

Let’s break down the differences, the necessity of these services, the legal requirements and best practices for workplace safety.

Health Surveillance

Health Surveillance and occupational health are two interrelated concepts within the realm of workplace health the safety. Health Surveillance sits under the umbrella term of occupational health and refers to a systematic approach aimed at monitoring the health of workers exposed to specific risks in the workplace. This process includes regular health checks and examinations to detect early signs of work-related illnesses. Health Surveillance is particularly important in industries where employees are exposed to hazards such as chemicals, noise, vibration or biological agents. Workers exposed to high noise levels might undergo regular hearing tests, while those handling hazardous chemicals may receive routine skin checks.

Occupational Health

The overarching term, occupational health encompasses a broader discipline concerned with the overall health and well-being of workers. This field aims to prevent, diagnose, and treat work-related injuries and illnesses while promoting and maintaining workers physical, mental and social well-being. Occupational Health focuses on prevention through risk assessments and the implementation of preventative measures. Additionally, it assists in the rehabilitation and return to work of employees who have experienced work-related health issues. Activities in occupational health include management referrals, ergonomic assessments, physiotherapy, mental health support, stress management, policy development and advisory services.

Occupational Health and Health Surveillance are not mutally exclusive; they work best together. Occupational Health helps prevent work-related ill health, while health surveillance helps to identify any issues that might slip through the cracks. This combined approach creates a robust system for protecting worker health and well-being - Dr Prasad, Chief Medical Officer of Latus Group

"Health Surveillance is a crucial component in safeguarding workers from the specific hazards they face daily, allowing for early detection and prompt intervention," says Dr Prasad, Chief Medical Officer of Latus Group.

"However, a comprehensive approach to workplace health must also encompass occupational health, which addresses a wider spectrum of well-being, including physical, mental, and social health. By integrating both health surveillance and occupational health practices, we can ensure a safer, healthier and more productive workforce."

If you're a business considering occupational health or health surveillance services, Dr Prasad, Chief Medical Officer of Latus Group, gives his recommendations for businesses to follow:

5 Top Tips for healthy businesses

1. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: start by conducting thorough risk assessments to identify specific hazards your employees are exposed to. This is the foundation for both effective health surveillance and comprehensive occupational health programmes. Understanding the risks will guide your preventive measures and health monitoring efforts.
2. Implement Routine Health Surveillance Programmes: establish regular health surveillance programmes tailored to the specific risks identified in your workplace. This could include hearing tests for noisy environments, lung function tests for areas with airborne contaminants, and skin checks for chemical handlers. Consistent monitoring helps in early detection and timely intervention.
3. Promote a Holistic Health and Well-being Culture: create a workplace culture that prioritises overall health and well-being. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices through initiatives like fitness programmes, mental health support, stress management workshops, and healthy eating campaigns. A holistic approach not only addresses physical health but also mental and social well-being.
4. Provide Continuous Training and Education: educate your workforce about the importance of health surveillance and occupational health. Regular training sessions can help employees understand the risks they face and the measures in place to protect them. An informed workforce is better equipped to participate actively in maintaining a safe work environment.
5. Engage with Occupational Health Professionals: collaborate with occupational health professionals to develop and implement your health strategies. Their expertise can guide you in creating tailored programmes that address both health surveillance and overall occupational health, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting a healthy, productive workforce.

Legal Requirements in the UK

Adhering to occupational health and health surveillance requirements helps businesses comply with UK laws and regulations, avoiding legal penalties. Identifying and mitigating health risks prevents costly workplace accidents and long-term health issues and proactive health management improves employee morale, reduces absenteeism, and increases productivity. Lastly, a commitment to employee health enhances a company’s reputation, attracting top talent and retaining valuable employees.

In the UK, various regulations mandate occupational health services and health surveillance:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: this foundational law requires employers to ensure health, safety and welfare of their employees.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: employers must assess and manage risks to their workers’ health and safety.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: Employers must carry out health surveillance for employees exposed to hazardous substances.
• Noise at Work Regulations 2005: These regulations require health surveillance for workers exposed to high noise levels.

How can Latus Group help your business?

Latus offer a variety of services to cover all of your Occupational Health and Health Surveillance needs. We are on a mission to improve access to high-quality, data-driven healthcare in the workplace, and our vision is for every employee to be able to receive the health support they need, whenever they need it, wherever they are.

We provide the most responsive account management system, delivering on the support and advice you need, whenever you need it. We unlock the data you need to enable great health and wellbeing strategy, with a visible, measurable return on investment, and our clinical team give you clear, decisive answers and advice to help you make informed HR decisions.

Latus Group work with employers to implement control measures, such as ventilation systems, proper equipment use training, and ergonomic assessments to minimise risk. we assess workplaces to identify potential physical and chemical hazards that could harm workers. we can also promote healthy lifestyles through education, vaccinations, and fitness programmes, reducing overall health risks. following illness or injury, we can help employees return to work safely and effectively.

"Linking health surveillance outcomes to occupational health appointments is crucial in ensuring comprehensive care for our workforce," says Vikki Blease, Head of Occupational Health at Latus Group.

"When health surveillance results fall outside the norm, its essential to review these cases promptly. This integrated approach allows us to address potential health issues early, adjust workplace controls as needed, and provide tailored support to the affected employees. Ultimately, it enhances both individual health and overall workplace safety."

By understanding the distinct roles of occupational health and health surveillance, Latus Group can help businesses in a wide range of industries create a safer, healthier work environment for their employees.

We believe that good health is good business. A healthy, happy team will always deliver better results - Jack Latus

If you’d like to speak to us about health surveillance, visit our page and submit an enquiry. Our team will be in touch directly to answer any questions and discuss our services.

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UK's leading occupational health provider ( latusgroup.co.uk )