Occupational Health Consultant for Asbestos in Devon
Enquire NowAt Occupational Health Consultant, we provide specialist medical surveillance and workplace health advice in Devon EX14 4 for employees exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos is one of the most dangerous occupational hazards in the UK, linked to conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural thickening, and lung cancer.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, employers must provide regular health surveillance for workers carrying out licensed asbestos work or notifiable non-licensed asbestos work (NNLW).
Our consultants in Devon deliver confidential medical assessments, professional reporting, and compliance support to protect both employees and employers.
Request a free quote from our consultant for asbestos in Devon and schedule an assessment today.
Why Do Workers Exposed to Asbestos Need Occupational Health Services?
Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can remain in the lungs and cause scarring or cancer many years after exposure.
Even small amounts of exposure can be dangerous over time, making ongoing health surveillance essential.
Occupational health services in Devon ensure that employees are monitored, workplace risks are assessed, and early signs of illness are acted upon.
This approach protects employee health while supporting employer compliance with strict UK regulations.
What Does an Asbestos Medical Involve?
An asbestos medical in Devon typically includes a respiratory health questionnaire, lung function testing (spirometry), and a clinical chest examination.
The occupational health consultant in Devon also reviews the worker’s employment history and likely levels of exposure.
If problems are identified, the employee may be referred for further medical investigation, such as chest X-rays or specialist respiratory review.
A work-focused outcome report is then provided to the employer, confirming fitness for asbestos-related duties.
Who Requires Asbestos Health Surveillance?
Health surveillance is legally required for all employees involved in licensed asbestos work and notifiable non-licensed asbestos work (NNLW) in Devon.
This includes workers in asbestos removal, demolition, building refurbishment, and maintenance where asbestos materials are present.
Employers must consult an HSE-appointed doctor to ensure statutory medicals are carried out.
Failure to provide medical surveillance when required is a criminal offence under UK law.
How Often Should Asbestos Medicals Be Carried Out?
Asbestos medicals in Devon must be conducted by an appointed doctor at least once every two years.
In higher-risk cases, the consultant may recommend more frequent reviews.
Baseline assessments are required before an employee begins working with asbestos, providing a clear health reference point.
Regular checks ensure changes in lung function are identified early and that employees remain safe to continue in asbestos-related roles.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Occupational Health Consultant for Asbestos?
Working with a specialist consultant in Devon ensures both compliance and worker safety.
Key benefits include:
Compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Early detection of respiratory conditions linked to asbestos exposure.
Impartial medical advice on employee fitness and workplace restrictions.
Support with legal record-keeping and regulatory inspections.
Clear demonstration of the duty of care to employees and stakeholders.
How Much Do Asbestos Medicals Cost?
The cost of asbestos assessments in Devon is from £100 to £250 per worker.
The cost of asbestos medicals depends on the number of employees and whether services are provided onsite or in a clinic.
For larger organisations, annual service contracts are usually the most efficient and cost-effective way to manage ongoing surveillance.
This investment reduces the risk of illness claims, absence, and regulatory enforcement.
Are Asbestos Medicals Confidential?
All medicals are carried out under strict confidentiality.
Employers do not receive detailed medical results.
Instead, they are provided with an outcome report stating whether the employee is fit, fit with restrictions, or unfit for asbestos work.
This ensures privacy for employees while giving employers the information required to manage workplace risks responsibly in Devon.
What Records Must Employers Keep for Asbestos Medicals?
Employers must maintain accurate health records for every employee undergoing asbestos medical surveillance.
These records must include the date of each medical, the outcome, and any restrictions placed on the worker.
They must be retained for at least 40 years, as asbestos-related diseases often take decades to appear.
Keeping detailed records demonstrates compliance and provides essential evidence in the event of future claims or HSE inspections in Devon.
What Happens If an Employee Is Found Unfit for Asbestos Work?
If an occupational health consultant in Devon determines that an employee is unfit for asbestos work, the employer must immediately remove them from exposure.
The consultant in Devon may recommend alternative duties, workplace adjustments, or further specialist medical investigation.
This ensures the individual’s health is prioritised while helping the employer manage risks fairly.
Employers are also expected to review control measures to protect the rest of the workforce.
How Do Asbestos Medicals Support Workplace Safety?
Asbestos medicals in Devon do more than assess individual fitness; they also provide insight into overall workplace safety.
If multiple employees show signs of reduced lung function, it may indicate inadequate controls, such as poor ventilation or unsafe work practices.
Occupational health consultants can highlight these trends and recommend improvements.
This dual benefit protects individuals while helping employers strengthen their health and safety systems.
Can Employees Refuse Asbestos Health Surveillance?
Health surveillance in Devon requires employee consent, but under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, medicals are mandatory for certain types of work.
If an employee refuses, they cannot legally continue in asbestos-related roles.
Employers should explain that assessments are confidential, impartial, and designed to protect workers’ long-term health.
Most employees agree once reassured about the purpose and privacy of the process.
Do Occupational Health Consultants Provide Advice Beyond Medicals?
Consultants in Devon provide more than statutory asbestos medicals.
They can support employers with risk assessments, control measures, safe working procedures, and staff training.
This holistic approach ensures compliance is maintained across all aspects of asbestos management.
It also gives employers confidence that they are protecting staff and meeting regulatory expectations.
Get in Touch
At Occupational Health Consultant in Devon, we deliver expert asbestos health surveillance to protect employees from one of the UK’s most serious occupational hazards.
With HSE-appointed doctors and tailored consultancy support, we ensure businesses meet their legal obligations while safeguarding their workforce.
Contact Occupational Health Consultant in Devon today to arrange asbestos medicals and compliance support for your organisation.
Other Services We Offer
At Occupational Health Consultant, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
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We cover Devon