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Health monitoring
Last updated July 2024
This chapter explains the health monitoring tests you may need to undertake in your workplace and what you must do to meet your requirements.
What is health monitoring?
Definition: Health Monitoring
Health monitoring is the process of periodically monitoring a worker’s health to determine if it has been affected by work-related exposure to hazardous substances or practices.
Health monitoring is the process of periodically monitoring a worker’s health to determine if it has been affected by work-related exposure to hazardous substances or practices.
Health monitoring can be used to:
- identify adverse health effects that may result from exposure to a hazardous process or substance; and
- confirm the effectiveness of risk control strategies.
Health monitoring tests may include:
- hearing tests;
- general medical examinations;
- urine and blood tests, i.e. to screen for the presence of toxins;
- psychological testing via surveys and interviews;
- skin examinations, e.g. to test for cancer or dermatitis; and
- lung function tests.
Tip: A medical practitioner can advise you what tests are required for a particular condition or hazardous substance you have identified in your workplace.
Example
Billy works in a production role at Glass Pty Ltd, a company that manufactures glass products. During his work, he is regularly exposed to crystalline silica dust, a substance that can cause the respiratory condition silicosis.
As well as implementing hazard control measures to minimise Billy’s exposure, monitoring workplace conditions and providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), Glass Pty Ltd ensures that a medical practitioner tests Billy and all other workers annually. The tests include a respiratory questionnaire, a lung function test, a general physical test and a chest X-ray.
Billy works in a production role at Glass Pty Ltd, a company that manufactures glass products. During his work, he is regularly exposed to crystalline silica dust, a substance that can cause the respiratory condition silicosis.
As well as implementing hazard control measures to minimise Billy’s exposure, monitoring workplace conditions and providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), Glass Pty Ltd ensures that a medical practitioner tests Billy and all other workers annually. The tests include a respiratory questionnaire, a lung function test, a general physical test and a chest X-ray.