RR1221: Systematic review of the method and frequency for undertaking workplace respiratory health surveillance

Early identification of work-related respiratory disease (WRRD) is associated with improved health outcomes and benefits for other workers. Respiratory health surveillance (HS) is a scheme of repeated health checks used for the early identification WRRD. Health and Safety law in Great Britain requires employers to implement HS when workers remain exposed to health risks even after exposure mitigation measures have been put in place.

The evidence-base that underpins respiratory HS has not been reviewed systematically since 2012. This research was commissioned to systematically review and consider any evidence that relates to respiratory HS to ensure that HSE’s guidance on HS remains relevant and appropriate.

The review found no evidence to support changes in HSE’s guidance on respiratory HS, equally no evidence was found to support changes in the frequency of or tools used for respiratory HS. Evidence gaps were identified for the efficacy of respiratory HS, its optimal frequency, variation by disease and exposure, new tools for respiratory HS, economic impact, and other aspects that may improve its effectiveness.

Visit the RR1221 report (PDF) ^[1]

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.

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