MoD Health & Safety Handbook 

JSP 375 Vol 2 

Where do I get help?  

12  If, as part of your assessment, or at any other time, there is any indication that you may need to 

introduce health surveillance, or if you are simply not sure, do not hesitate to seek advice from your local 

health and safety adviser, occupational health adviser, occupational hygienist, environmental health 

officer etc. 

13  As a matter of course, if your assessment indicates a material assigned a maximum exposure limit, 

or that is a respiratory sensitiser, can be absorbed through the skin or is a carcinogen you should always 

seek specialist advice. If you are using lead or asbestos, always ask for help. 

INVOLVING EMPLOYEES AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES? 

14  Involve them early on.  Employees need to understand their role and responsibilities in the health 

surveillance programme. They need to be sure there are safeguards to protect their jobs if evidence of ill 

health is found. They need to be asked for their consent to certain health surveillance procedures and 

be sure that medical information is treated in confidence. Involve safety representatives as they can 

often be a source of useful advice and information about the work place. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

15  The information given in this annex is extracted from: 

Understanding Health Surveillance at Work : An Introduction for Employers.   Health and Safety 

Executive. London HSE, 6/01. IND(G) Leaflets; IND(G)304 

Leaflet 5 Annex J 

April 2003 

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