Ensuring the health and safety of your workforce is paramount in any industry, especially for those exposed to hazardous chemicals and substances. At Acorn Occupational Health, we offer comprehensive biological monitoring services designed to assess and manage chemical exposures effectively.
What is Biological Monitoring?
Biological monitoring is a method of assessing chemical exposure by measuring the chemical or its breakdown products in biological samples such as urine, blood, or breath. This type of monitoring is particularly useful when chemicals can be significantly absorbed through the skin and when controls rely on personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks. Biological monitoring helps ensure that PPE is functioning correctly and that employees are not being overexposed to hazardous substances.
The Importance of Biological Monitoring
Workplace exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, skin conditions, organ damage and occasionally even cancer. Regular biological monitoring helps detect early signs of exposure, subsequently allowing for timely intervention and prevention of long-term health problems. It also ensures compliance with regulations such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002, which mandates regular monitoring of employees exposed to certain hazardous substances.
Our Biological Monitoring Services
At Acorn Occupational Health, we provide a range of biological monitoring services tailored to the needs of different industries and workplaces:
Blood Screening
Blood screening is essential for employees working with hazardous substances or as part of a general well-being programme. Our blood screening services include:
- Full Blood Count: Checks white and red cell counts. White cell count can indicate infections, viruses, leukaemia, and other blood disorders. Red cell count can indicate anaemia and other blood disorders.
- Kidney Profile: Measures urea and creatinine levels to check kidney function.
- Liver Profile: Liver function tests check if the body is breaking down toxins properly, indicating liver health and potential issues such as fatty liver from being overweight or excessive alcohol consumption.
- Lipid Profile: Checks both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, indicating the risk of heart disease.
- Glucose: Measures blood sugar levels to indicate the risk of developing diabetes.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) (for males): Early detection of prostate cancer.
Urine Screening
Urine screening is a standard component of our Well-Person Medicals and Fit for Task medicals. It helps detect exposure to:
- Arsenic
- Metals
- Solvents
This type of screening is quick, non-invasive, and provides valuable information about chemical exposures.
Benefits of Biological Monitoring
- Early Detection: Identifies chemical exposures early, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious health issues.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with COSHH 2002 and other relevant regulations.
- Enhanced Safety: Improves overall workplace safety by monitoring and managing chemical exposures.
- Employee Well-Being: Promotes the health and well-being of employees, reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity.
- Tailored Solutions: Provides specific health data to tailor workplace safety measures and health programmes.
Contact Us
At Acorn Occupational Health, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a safe and healthy workforce. Our biological monitoring services are designed to meet the unique needs of your business and ensure the well-being of your employees.
For more information on our biological monitoring services, contact us on 01260 277797 or email us at website@acornoh.co.uk