Lead exposure is a serious issue that can have serious health effects on employees both in and outside of the workplace. As an employer in the UK, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your employees are safe and protected from lead exposure whilst they’re working. But when do businesses need to provide testing for blood lead?
What is lead?
A chemical element, lead occurs naturally. It is a heavy metal and is often put into the same group as copper or iron. The toxicity and therefore potentially harmful properties of lead were discovered in the late 19th century.
Why is lead harmful?
Lead can be harmful if a person is exposed to the material over a long period of time, and at high levels.
When people are exposed to lead, it is stored in their bones and builds up over time. Lead then travels to bones, the kidneys, and the brain where it can cause damage.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning
Symptoms of levels of lead in the blood can vary, and the effects can worsen if a person is exposed to higher levels or for a prolonged period of time.
Lead exposure can cause:
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Hallucinations
- Poor concentration
- Pood changes
- Kidney damage
- Low blood pressure
- Brain damage
- Fertility issues
- Fatigue
- Irritability
Advice from Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
According to the Control of Lead at Work Regulation 2002 (CLAW), employers have a duty to employees to prevent or control the employee’s exposure to lead.
Although, studies have shown that an employee’s health could be at risk when exposure levels are below those set out by CLAW.
Acorn Occupational Health Blood lead testing
At Acorn Occupational Health, we understand the importance of protecting your employees from lead exposure. That’s why we offer comprehensive blood lead testing services for businesses in Congleton and the surrounding areas. We work with employers to ensure that their employees are safe and protected from lead exposure in the workplace.
Our service includes:
- On-site blood lead testing: We understand that it can be difficult for employees to take time off work for testing, so we come to your workplace to conduct the blood tests, ensuring minimal disruption to your business.
- Fast and accurate results: Our testing equipment is state-of-the-art, ensuring that results are accurate and available quickly.
- Expert interpretation of results: Our team of occupational health experts will interpret the results of the blood lead analysis and provide you with a detailed report, including recommendations for controlling lead exposure in the workplace.
- Follow-up testing: We recommend follow-up testing to ensure that the measures put in place to control lead exposure continue to be effective
Contact Us
If you’d like to know more about the blood lead testing service we provide at Acorn, please get in touch with our team. Visit our FAQs page, call us at 01260 277797, or email us at website@acornoh.co.uk