Guidance for Managers

As an employer we are required under the Health and Safety Act 1974, to safeguard the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of our staff. Therefore, we must ensure that their health is considered at every stage.

New Roles

When you are creating a new role via OLEEO and navigating the recruitment process, it is crucial to understand if the tasks of the role will require the employee to receive health surveillance monitoring, to ensure they are safeguarded from any adverse effects of exposure to hazards within their role from day 1. Health Surveillance also ensures that employees are fit to undertake their duties.

To assist you in identifying whether the role requires Health Surveillance, please complete this work activities sheet. Further to completing this form a discussion may then be required with your Health and Safety Advisor (cehealthandsafety@carmarthenshire.gov.uk) to ensure relevant risk assessments are developed for the activities being undertaken

Night Working

If the new role will require employees to regularly work at least 3 hours during the ‘night period’ (The night period is 11pm to 6am) then the Working Time Regulations 1998 require the Council to provide night workers with the opportunity of a free health assessment. This can be accessed via the intranet: Health Surveillance

Vulnerable Adults and Children

If the new role requires employees to work with vulnerable adults or children, then they may be required to undertake a new employment screening form and be health cleared prior to commencing employment.

Referral process for existing roles requiring Health Surveillance

Roles & Responsibilities

Employees should:

• Co-operate by attending Health Surveillance programs (if a need is identified) in order that health and safety duties under law are met.
• Report any symptoms of ill health as soon as they notice them so that prompt action can be taken to prevent further harm.
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
• Notify any shortcomings in the health and safety arrangements, even when no immediate danger exists, so that managers can take remedial action if needed.

Managers should:

• As is reasonably practicable, ensure the health, safety and welfare of all of their employees.
• Ensure risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly and Safe Working Systems are put in place.
• Assist employees in understanding the need for and the benefits of Health Surveillance by explaining the purpose and the process.
• Encourage employees to take part positively, and co-operate fully, in the Health Surveillance programme, explaining its importance and relevance to them.

Health and Safety Advisors should:

• Give advice to you and your employees regarding risk assessments, Safe Systems of Work and health surveillance requirements.
• Assist Occupational Health in setting up new, or revising existing, health surveillance programs with the managers.
• Assist managers to monitor and review risk assessments, Safe Systems of Work and health surveillance requirements.

Occupational Health Practitioners should:

• Carry out health surveillance as per protocols and Health and Safety Executive legislation and guidance.
• Give advice to employees on following Safe Systems of Work, using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and on reporting any concerns regarding their health.  
• Inform you of any possible health concerns and refer you to the appropriate medical practitioner.