Ensuring the health and well-being of employees is not only a moral obligation but also a legal requirement for UK employers. As occupational health providers, at Acorn we understand the importance of ensuring employees have healthy lungs. By completing essential measures such as spirometry assessments, providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and adopting stringent safety protocols, employers can proactively safeguard their employees’ respiratory health.
Spirometry Assessments
Spirometry, or Respiratory Lung Function Surveillance is carried out by certain industries. The assessment is designed to test the lung health of employees since they work in environments where the health of the lungs could be affected.
Carried out to follow Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002 (COSHH). The assessment is an invaluable tool for assessing lung function. As well as detecting respiratory disorders early on. By completing spirometry testing early on, employers can identify potential hazards, especially those associated with dust, fumes, and other harmful airborne substances. Spirometry testing measures lung capacity, airflow, and the presence of any abnormalities.
Our Spirometry assessments take only 15 minutes to complete and are completed by an experienced medical professional. The comprehensive testing can be tailored to your industry’s needs. Each spirometry assessment includes an HSE-compliant report, as well as a referral if required. Our tests are conducted under industry standards, allowing us to test lung health accurately. Regular assessments not only protect employees but also serve as a proactive strategy to follow legal requirements. Plus they help to minimise absenteeism and promote well-being.
Equipping Employees with Adequate PPE
PPE, or personal protective equipment plays a vital role in safeguarding employees against potential respiratory hazards which can be present in many different workplaces. These can include respiratory masks, respirators, and protective clothing. All this equipment acts as a physical barrier and reduces the exposure to harmful particles.
If you’re unsure of whether your employees require spirometry testing as part of their health surveillance, please get in touch to arrange an On-site Health Needs Assessment. This will help to identify risks within your workplaces, and what assessments or measures should be implemented to comply with UK laws and protect the health and safety of your employees.
Our team can help you determine the most suitable respiratory protective equipment for your workforce. Taking into account specific job roles, environmental conditions, and regulatory standards. If you would like to ensure that the respiratory PPE is suitable and working, we also provide Face Fit Testing.
Implementing safety measures
Proactive implementation of safety measures is vital when reducing respiratory risks in the workplace. Employers should prioritise the identification and control of hazardous substances, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
Well-kept ventilation systems, and maintaining clean workplaces are important. Housekeeping practices such as controlling dust, managing chemical exposure and good hygiene are also encouraged. It is also important to provide regular training on respiratory safety and how to effectively use PPE as this will also help to reduce the risk of lung-related illnesses.
Contact Us
As a responsible employer, prioritising the health and safety of your employees should always be a concern. Especially when your business sees workers exposed to risks which could have an adverse effect on their lung health. If you’d like to discuss our spirometry testing and assessment service, please get in touch. Call us on 01260 277797 or email us at website@acornoh.co.uk