Hello

Newcomer seeking advice.

Our company (precision engineering) has embarked on a programme of health surveillance, specifically respiratory and skin testing from exposure to metalworking fluids.

We are imminently to enter into a relationship with an Occupational Health provider. The provider in question has set the frequency of recall for new employees at commencement of employment/3month/6 month & annnual.

Can anyone tell me if this frequency is simply advisory on the part of the OH provider? I cannot unearth any reference to such a frequency of recall for respiratory testing from HSE publications. I can appreciate the commencement of employment testing in order to establish baseline functioning, but the addition of 3 and 6 month repeat testing would be a costly undertaking.

In 2022, the first round of annual testing undertaken across approx 35 employees in like for like roles found no evidence of work related compromise in lung function. Might such evidence act as justification for eliminating the three and six month intervals?

A simple symptoms questionnaire will also be circulated for completion, and could arguably inform actions and decision making around referral onwards, should an employee report negative symptoms.

Opinions please...

Kind regards