HSE Approved Lead Medicals
Looking after your health at work starts here.
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Protecting Your Workforce from the Risks of Lead Exposure
Working with lead can pose significant health risks if not managed correctly and incorrectly managed lead exposure can lead to serious long-term health problems. It can have negative impacts on the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system. The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW) are in place to protect employees from these risks. A key component of these regulations is medical surveillance for workers exposed to lead.
Occupational Health Bristol provides comprehensive, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approved medicals for individuals working with lead these are conducted by one of our two HSE Appointed Doctors.
Who Requires a Lead Medical?
Medical surveillance is a legal requirement for any employee who is, or is liable to be, exposed to significant levels of lead. This typically includes workers in industries such as:
Construction and demolition (especially involving older buildings with lead
Manufacturing (e.g., batteries, pigments)
Smelting and foundries
The HSE advised tha all individuals who are going to be exposed to lead should have an initial assessment – including a pre-assessment examination and blood test by a HSE Appointed Doctor Appointed doctors – HSE
Helpful Information
FAQs
What Does a Lead Medical Involve?
The medical examination is designed to assess an individual’s fitness to work with lead and to monitor for any adverse health effects from exposure.
An appointment typically includes:
– HSE questionnaire and clinical assessment/ physical examination. This will include a review of your medical history, employment history and history of any symptoms or signs that could be related to lead exposure. You will be examined to ensure you have no signs of lead exposure.
– Blood Test: A single blood sample/ test is taken to measure your Haemoglobin level/ blood count and your blood lead level. These help to exclude anaemia which can be a sign of lead exposure and to assess the amount of lead you have in your blood.
Based on the results, the Appointed Doctor will determine your fitness for work with lead.
We will also advice to the employer and employee on how to help reduce lead exposure, and when the next lead medical is required and advice on the frequency of future surveillance.
What are the Blood Lead Levels and Action Levels?
The HSE sets specific action and suspension levels for blood lead concentrations and our HSE Appointed Doctors will advice on if action level or suspension levels have been reached.
The action level indicates if the frequently you require surveillance and the suspension level indicates if the employee must stop working with any form of work that could expose them to lead.
The Appointed Doctor will discuss your results with you and provide a fitness certificate to your employer, outlining any necessary actions or restrictions.
How often do I require a lead medical / Frequency of Medical Surveillance?
– Initial Assessment: Before beginning work with lead.
– Periodic Medicals: At least annually for all workers under surveillance.
– Increased Frequency: More frequent testing (e.g., every 3-6 months) may be required if blood lead levels are approaching the action level or if there are other clinical concerns.
What are my employer's responsibilities?
Employers are legally required to arrange and pay for medical surveillance for relevant employees with an HSE-Appointed Doctor. They must act on the advice given by the doctor.
Do I have have to attend my Lead medical?
Yes employees have a duty to attend the appointments arranged for them and to follow the medical advice provided; see The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW)
How do I book a HSE Lead Medical?
See link to ensure your company is compliant with the CLAW regulations and your workforce is protected.
Looking after your health at work starts here.
Book your appointment today and let's make wellbeing a priority.