Occupational health in engineering
Health issues in the engineering industry can be caused by:
- Metalworking fluids - Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause skin problems and respiratory disease such as occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Welding - Exposure to welding fume can cause respiratory disease such as occupational asthma, lung cancer and other short and long-term illnesses.
- Spray paints and coatings - Exposure to spray paints and coatings can cause skin problems and respiratory disease such as occupational asthma. We would suggest workplace air montoring to see if there's a problem with air quality.
- Vibration - Exposure to vibration can cause neurological damage, circulatory damage and musculo-skeletal disorders.
- Manual Handling & Awkward Postures - Heavy lifting, poor postures, prolonged static, repetitive or forceful movements can cause musculo-skeletal disorders.
- Noise - Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. A noise survey assessment would be recommended to check if your employees are working in a safe environment.
We have a fleet of mobile screening units travelling the UK that are fitted with an audiometry booth. We can carry out workplace exposure monitoring on your site and have strict hygiene policies in place that follow the highest levels of COVID protection.
Our teams are experienced in performing all the necessary occupational health checks and they can tell you in plain English what the results mean and what steps, if any, need to be taken to protect your workforce.
Maintenance – poorly maintained machinery can have a serious health and safety risk. It is important to keep machines in good working order carrying out daily inspections and regular servicing and auditing.Â
Safeguards – most machines will have safety mechanisms installed such as emergency stops and guards. Ensure these are in good working order and have been installed properly.
PPE – make sure your workforce are properly equipped with the right PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including head protection, goggles and ear defenders. As well as not having loose clothing, jewellery or long hair that could get caught in moving equipment.
Oil – machinery can leak and cause a hazard for the workforce. Ensure all machinery is in good working order and is regularly serviced and maintained.
Dust – ensure the working environment is clean and regularly checked to minimise the risk of injury from dust particles making its way onto the floor or being breathed into the lungs by your workforce.
Engineering Health Risk Assessment
Health surveillance in engineering
We are quality accredited to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine’s SEQOHS standards. We are qualified to provide health surveillance and screening at your workplace using our fleet of vans or at our premises.
Peritus Health Management provides a comprehensive service in all the above areas.
