Health monitoring may be required for workers carrying out asbestos-related work where there is a risk of exposure. Safe Work Australia guidance indicates that health monitoring should be provided before commencement of asbestos-related work and at regular intervals thereafter, including at least every two years where exposure risk exists.
Employees Health supports organisations with asbestos medical surveillance programs aligned with workplace health monitoring obligations and current guidance.
How often should health monitoring be done?
Health monitoring should also be provided to workers at regular intervals (at least once every two years) after the worker commences asbestos-related work where there is a risk of exposure to asbestos.
Our asbestos medical surveillance program is aligned with the Safe Work Australia Guidelines, which provide comprehensive recommendations for managing asbestos-related risks in the workplace. These guidelines outline the responsibilities of employers and workers, risk assessment and management strategies, and measures to protect workers from asbestos exposure.
Before commencing work in environments with potential asbestos exposure, employees undergo pre-employment health assessments to establish baseline health status and identify any pre-existing conditions that may affect their ability to work safely.
Regular medical examinations are conducted at specified intervals to monitor workers’ health status and detect any changes or abnormalities that may indicate asbestos-related diseases. These examinations may include lung function tests, chest X-rays, and other diagnostic tests as recommended by healthcare professionals.
Comprehensive health monitoring records are maintained for each employee participating in the asbestos medical surveillance program. These records include results of medical examinations, diagnostic tests, and any relevant health information, ensuring continuity of care and facilitating timely interventions when necessary.
We prioritise education and training initiatives to raise awareness among employees about the risks of asbestos exposure and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Training programs cover topics such as asbestos awareness, proper handling and disposal procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
Employees Health supports organisations across Australia with occupational health and health surveillance services. We provide a compliance-focused, responsive service model suited to onsite, regional and multi-site workforces.
Our approach includes:
Contact Us
For more information about our asbestos medical surveillance program or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us at Employees Health. Our team of experts is here to support you in safeguarding the health and well-being of your workforce.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2001); Toxicological profile for Asbestos.
Australian Bureau of Statistics at http://www.abs.gov.au/
Chemical analysis branch handbook, 9th Edition, Workplace and biological monitoring exposure analysis, WorkCover NSW (PDF 3.39MB).
De Klerk, N., Henderson, D., Jones, M, Leigh, J, Musk, A.W., Shilkin, K. and Williams, V. (2002) The diagnosis and attribution of asbestos-related diseases in an Australian context, Adelaide Workshop on Asbestos-Related Diseases, J Occup Health Safety – Aust NZ, 18(5): 443-452.
National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (1999); Chrysotile Asbestos; Priority Existing Chemical No. 9; Full Public Report.
Safe Work Australia (2013); Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants
Safe Work Australia; Hazardous Chemicals Information System
You can also read more about health monitoring requirements for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, lead risk work, silica or asbestos-related work.
You can also access additional guidance, legislation and supporting documents through our Resources page.
If your organisation requires asbestos health surveillance medicals, contact Employees Health to discuss your workforce, locations and compliance requirements.
