Occupational Health Consultant for Silica Exposure in Kent
Enquire NowAt Occupational Health Consultant, we provide specialist health surveillance and advice in Kent CT7 0 for employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
Long-term exposure can cause serious and irreversible conditions, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers are legally required to assess risks and arrange health surveillance for at-risk workers.
Our consultants in Kent provide medical checks, impartial reporting, and practical workplace guidance to protect both employees and businesses.
Why Do Workers Exposed to Silica Need Occupational Health Services?
Silica is a naturally occurring substance found in materials such as concrete, sand, stone, brick, and clay. When these materials are cut, ground, or drilled, fine dust particles are released that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
When inhaled, respirable crystalline silica becomes embedded in the lungs and causes scarring that reduces lung capacity.
Without proper monitoring, this damage is permanent and can be life-threatening.
Occupational health services in Kent detect problems early and ensure that workplace controls are effective.
What Does Health Surveillance for Silica Involve?
Surveillance in Kent begins with a baseline health assessment before the employee starts work in an exposed role.
Follow-up checks may include lung function testing (spirometry), respiratory health questionnaires, and clinical assessments.
The occupational health consultant in Kent reviews results and issues a work-focused outcome report.
If abnormalities are found, the employee may be referred for further investigation or temporarily removed from exposure.
Who Requires Silica Health Surveillance?
Surveillance is required for employees regularly exposed to silica dust above action levels set out in COSHH.
This includes industries such as construction, quarrying, tunnelling, stone masonry, concrete manufacturing, ceramics, and foundries.
Employers must assess workplace risks and ensure health checks are provided where necessary.
Failure to provide surveillance may result in enforcement action by the HSE.
How Often Should Silica Health Checks Be Carried Out?
The frequency of checks depends on workplace risk levels and the employee’s health.
Typically, workers should be reviewed annually, although higher-risk roles may require more frequent monitoring.
Baseline checks before employment are essential to establish a reference point.
Regular surveillance ensures that changes in lung health are detected and addressed early.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Occupational Health Consultant for Silica Exposure?
Consultants in Kent provide independent support to protect both health and compliance.
Key benefits include:
Compliance with COSHH and UK health and safety law.
Early detection of silicosis and other lung conditions.
Impartial medical advice on fitness for work and restrictions.
Practical recommendations to reduce exposure risks.
Demonstration of duty of care to employees and regulators.
How Much Do Silica Health Checks Cost?
Silica health surveillance in Kent typically ranges from £45 to £120 per employee per year.
The cost depends on the number of employees and whether services are delivered onsite or in a clinic.
Larger employers often benefit from annual contracts, which provide cost efficiency and consistent monitoring.
This investment helps reduce sickness absence, claims, and the risk of non-compliance penalties.
Are Silica Health Checks Confidential?
All medical assessments are confidential.
Employers do not receive detailed medical information, such as test results.
Instead, they receive an outcome report stating whether the employee is fit, fit with restrictions, or unfit for silica-related duties.
This ensures employee privacy while allowing businesses to manage safety effectively.
What Symptoms Should Employees Monitor Between Health Checks?
Employees exposed to silica should be alert to signs such as persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Fatigue and unexplained weight loss may also indicate respiratory problems.
Since silicosis and other silica-related diseases develop gradually, even mild symptoms should be reported early.
Prompt reporting allows occupational health consultants in Kent to investigate and prevent long-term harm.
What Records Must Employers Keep for Silica Health Surveillance?
Employers must maintain accurate health records for all employees undergoing silica health checks in Kent.
These records should include dates of assessments, results of lung function testing, and the outcome of fitness-for-work decisions.
They must be kept for at least 40 years, because silica-related conditions can take decades to appear.
Maintaining proper records ensures compliance and provides evidence in case of claims or inspections.
What Happens If an Employee Is Found Unfit for Silica Work?
If a consultant determines that a worker is unfit due to health concerns, they must be removed from silica exposure.
The consultant in Kent may recommend temporary redeployment, workplace adjustments, or referral to a specialist.
This ensures the employee’s health is prioritised and prevents further damage.
Employers are also expected to review exposure controls to safeguard the wider workforce.
Can Employees Refuse Silica Health Surveillance?
Health checks in Kent require employee consent, but surveillance is mandatory under COSHH when risks are significant.
If an employee refuses, they may not legally continue in roles involving silica exposure.
Employers should explain that assessments are confidential and only report on fitness for work.
This reassurance usually encourages participation and cooperation.
How Do Occupational Health Consultants Help Beyond Medicals?
Consultants in Kent not only deliver health checks but also support employers with workplace safety.
This includes reviewing risk assessments, advising on dust suppression and ventilation, and recommending suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
They can also provide staff training on safe handling and recognising early symptoms.
By combining surveillance with workplace advice, consultants offer a complete approach to silica risk management.
Schedule a Silica Exposure Assessment
At Occupational Health Consultant in Kent CT7 0, we provide professional health surveillance and consultancy for silica-exposed workers.
Our services protect employees from serious lung disease, reduce absence, and ensure compliance with COSHH regulations.
Contact Occupational Health Consultant in Kent today to arrange silica health checks for your workforce.
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 Kent