Health Surveillance Policy

Policy statement

University of Dundee recognises that some staff and postgraduate students are at risk of developing ill health given the nature of their work. This risk is very low since the University implements all reasonable measures to prevent ill health associated with work and study activities undertaken as part of University activities. However, in some work/study situations it is recognised that health surveillance plays an essential role in risk management through the early detection of symptoms. In other work situations it is difficult to assess the magnitude of remaining risk precisely and so for this reason health surveillance is undertaken whenever there is a non-invasive and valid technique to detect the onset and progression of symptoms, and it satisfies ethical considerations. In both situations the University’s aim is to protect the health of staff and post-graduate students.

Arrangements

Occupational Health Service will develop a health surveillance program for staff and postgraduate students that meets the requirements stipulated in regulation. A key aspect of health surveillance is that it is not a control measure that prevents or reduces exposure. Management in areas where staff or students may be exposed to hazards that health surveillance can be implemented for MUST therefore ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are in place to eliminate or reduce exposure as far as is reasonably practicable. These risk assessments must be provided to Occupational Health when requesting that staff or students be placed under health surveillance. Typical health surveillance programs cover the requirements for respiratory, skin, hearing and vibration injuries, together with certain diseases.

The Occupational Health Service will organise suitable health surveillance for individuals identified as requiring it following risk assessment. Usually, this will involve a consultation with a Nurse as well as a completion of a questionnaire and, in some instances, testing of the individual (e.g. lung function or hearing). During the consultation the Nurse will inform staff and post-graduate students of relevant symptoms and will remind staff and students to report symptoms immediately. Staff and students will be given an opportunity to discuss any concerns they have.

Any indication of symptoms associated with occupational exposure to a hazard that is being monitored by health surveillance will be brought immediately to the attention of the head of Health and Safety by the University Occupational Health Service, who will also inform Line Managers. This will allow the risk assessment can be reviewed and other appropriate actions to be taken.

Staff and postgraduate students must report symptoms of work-related ill health immediately to the OH Service. They should complete health surveillance questionnaires accurately and attend scheduled appointments with the nurse or OH physician.