The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002 require employers to control exposure to of (physical) agents which could be hazardous to health, to train employees and others, as necessary, to provide health surveillance in certain cases and to plan for substance-related emergencies. Business Health has extensive knowledge of the potential health effects of a wide range of chemicals and biological agents used in industry and is in a strong position to advise on all of these requirements. Our particular area of expertise, however is health surveillance. Health surveillance usually takes the form of a questionnaire and a physical medical assessment. In order to minimise disruption and cost we encourage organisations to train a ‘competent person’, usually within the workforce to administer the basic program, passing on to the occupational health physician only cases of potential concern.
Dr Dickson has also been Appointed Doctor to HSE under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations, 2012 and the Control of Lead at Work Regulations, 2002 – and would expect to be able to carry out assessments under the Regulations at short notice – subject to HSE notification.