Health Surveillance is a scheme of repeated health checks which are used to identify ill health caused by work. Some health surveillance is required prior to starting (as a baseline recording) and upon leaving (to confirm health status) for work with specified hazards within Queen Mary. Health surveillance required by legislation to prevent workplace ill health and enable the early detection of work-related ill health or conditions.

Health Monitoring is a scheme to monitor the health where the effects from an activity or exposure at work are suspected of causing ill health effects, but the association has yet to be fully established. This would follow the same principles as health surveillance but is not a legal requirement.

Queen Mary Policy for Health Surveillance and Monitoring

Health Surveillance and Monitoring Policy

The Appendix within the document describes the procedure and health surveillance applicable for work with specified hazards and where health monitoring may be applicable.

The responsibilities for Heads of Schools / Institutes / Directorates, line managers / supervisors, Safety Coordinators and other responsible persons are identified within the policy.

 

Health Surveillance process

For new recruitment / enrolment

1. Recruiter to either (i) complete the Job Hazard Evaluation Form located within the Queen Mary OLEO e-recruitment system (for payrolled positions) or (ii) use the word document provided if a non-payrolled contract (e.g. PGR student contract).

Note – (i) E-recruitment system automatically sends input information to OH Works, (ii) Email completed document to OH Works as per the Human Resources website.

2. New staff / PGR student to complete the individual health assessment form provided by OH Works within the OH Works Orchid dashboard or by email and return to OH Works.
3. A health (exposure) record for an individual working with identified hazardous substance/s or physical agents should be maintained by the individual and their line manager/ academic supervisor. Health (exposure) record templates are available here: Hazardous substances.

Physical agents (TBA)

4. A workplace or activity risk assessment must be completed by the School/Institute/ Directorate or Department for hazardous work / study activities.  Please visit the Queen Mary Health and Safety website to locate the relevant risk assessment template. The completed document should be retained by the Department and kept up to date. When requested, send to OH Works.
5. Specific health surveillance protocols for significant hazards and as required, exposure response protocols are accessible at the relevant topic pages, ensure familiarisation on requirements and provide supporting documents (e.g. immunisation record) to OH Works as requested.

For existing enrolment updates

1. Line manager or individual to either (i) update the Job Hazard Evaluation Form located within the Queen Mary OLEO e-recruitment system or (ii) update previously submitted word document, send / return to OH Works.
2. Update the individual health assessment form provided by OH Works within the OH Works Orchid dashboard or by email and return to OH Works.
3. Update workplace or activity risk assessment and when requested, send to OH Works.
4. Provide OH Works with any supporting documents for the health surveillance update (e.g, updated health (exposure) record).

Occupational Health Service

The Health Surveillance and monitoring program for Queen Mary is led by the Occupational Health Service for Queen Mary which is provided by OHWorks Ltd.

Human Resources oversees the contract and further detail about the service is available on the Human Resources website.

Staff / Student Referral

The information relating to making staff / student referrals to the Occupational Health Service is available on the Human Resources website.

Links

Sensitisers – Laboratory animals, task risk assessment and risk control guidance

Biological safety - biological agents (pathogens) health surveillance and exposure protocols