Blog - Healthscreen UK

All You Need to Know About Safety Critical Medicals

Ensuring the health and safety of your workforce is a fundamental responsibility for every employer. If your employees are engaged in tasks that carry significant risks to their health or the safety of others, safety critical medicals become essential. These examinations help determine whether your staff is fit for their roles, thereby reducing the risk […]

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Health and Safety Strategy for Your Workplace

Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental aspect of fostering a productive and engaged workforce. A robust health and safety strategy is essential for preventing workplace injuries and illnesses, reducing absenteeism, and enhancing overall employee wellbeing. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key […]

HSE Relaunches Its ‘Your Farm, Your Future’ Campaign

The Health and Safety Executive has once again taken a step to safeguard the wellbeing of those who toil on Britain’s farms. With the relaunch of its ‘Your Farm, Your Future’ campaign, the spotlight this year turns to the hazards associated with working with livestock. This initiative comes in the wake of alarming statistics that […]

The Crucial Role of Leadership in Mental Wellbeing at the Workplace

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, mental wellbeing is becoming further and further recognised as a critical component of overall health. The impact of workplace culture and leadership on employee mental health cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we dive into the vital role that leaders play in nurturing a mentally healthy workplace […]

The Importance of Regular Health Screenings for Employees

In today’s fast-paced business world, the health of employees often determines the health of the company. A robust workforce is not just about numbers; it’s about the vitality and wellbeing of each individual contributing to the collective success of the organisation. As we navigate through an era where health concerns are more pronounced than ever, […]

The Rising Tide of Work-Related Health Issues: Insights From HSE’s Latest Report

The Health and Safety Executive’s latest report for the 2022/23 period has shed light on some concerning trends in workplace health that merit serious attention. These trends not only reflect the state of occupational health currently but also underscore the growing challenges faced by employees and organisations alike. To preserve the health of their workforces, […]

HSE’s Latest Safety Campaign to Target Moving and Handling

In the dynamic world of construction, the health and safety of workers stand as paramount concerns. Acknowledging this imperative, the HSE have launched a new inspection campaign that underscores the significance of moving and handling materials safely. To ensure that your workforce is informed and protected, here’s an overview of this campaign and why it […]

Recognising the Signs: When to Refer an Employee for Occupational Health Support

In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, ensuring the well-being of your employees is paramount. One essential aspect of this is recognising when an employee may need the specialised care and support provided by occupational health services. Occupational health plays a crucial role in promoting a safe and healthy workplace, and knowing when to refer […]

How Prioritising Occupational Health Boosts Employee Retention

In the dynamic landscape of today’s workforce, attracting and retaining talented employees is a challenge that businesses across industries face. While competitive salaries and engaging work environments play their part, one often underestimated factor in employee retention is occupational health. A workforce that feels valued, supported, and healthy is more likely to stay committed to […]

Understanding Occupational Psoriasis

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about psoriasis and its impact on individuals worldwide. While most people are familiar with psoriasis as a skin condition, there is a lesser-known form called ‘occupational psoriasis.’ This variant occurs specifically in the workplace, and its identification and early intervention are crucial for the […]

The Power of Social Interactions: Enhancing Employee Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, fostering a positive work environment goes beyond the traditional focus on physical health. The importance of employee mental health is gaining recognition as organisations strive to create a supportive and engaging workplace. One effective approach to enhancing employee wellbeing is by encouraging social interactions within the workplace. In […]

The Importance of Vision Screening for a Healthy Workforce

Good vision is essential for performing various tasks at work efficiently and safely. As an employer, ensuring the well-being of your employees should be a top priority, and one crucial aspect of their health is their vision. Vision screening plays a vital role in identifying potential vision problems early on, promoting eye health, and maintaining […]

Creating an Effective Health and Safety Strategy for Your Workplace

Let’s face it – workplace safety isn’t always the most exciting topic. But it’s an important one, and having an effective health and safety strategy can make a huge difference in keeping your employees safe and your business running smoothly. So how do you create a comprehensive health and safety strategy that actually works? Here […]

Celebrate Women in Construction Week

Each year, Women in Construction Week shines a spotlight on the important contributions of women to the construction industry. The event, which began on March 5th this year, is an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women in construction and to promote greater gender inclusivity in the field. In this blog post, we’ll explore the […]

Sharp Increase in Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome Cases Raises Concerns

What Do Statistics Show? Indicating a worrying 375% rise in new hand-arm vibration cases, the most recent HSE statistics show over 300 new cases of HAVS reported in 2021, as well as 165 new cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and 255 new cases of Dupuytren’s Contracture. These new data are particularly concerning since the conditions […]

Top Reported Health and Safety Issues to Avoid in 2023

We all know health and safety should be prioritized by all businesses, everywhere. It is also important to understand, however, that health and safety management involves much more than simply ticking the correct boxes and meeting the minimum requirements. It is about effectively and thoroughly assessing and preventing the risks, thus protecting the mental and […]

New HSE Guidance on Working in Cold Weather

The UK has been suffering the grip of unusually cold weather during the past couple of weeks: snow, ice and fog warnings have been put in place all over the country, and the freezing temperatures have left large areas blanketed in snow, making it difficult for millions of people to reach their workplaces. With temperatures […]

Managing Employee Absenteeism in Winter

With October on its way and lower temperatures already settling in, we are reminded that winter is indeed coming, and with it- higher employee absence rates. Not only the common cold, but also a possible increase in COVID-19 cases may cause staff to take a higher number of sick days. Add the gloom of colder […]

Occupational Hearing Loss and Custom-Made Hearing Protection

Noise-induced hearing loss as a result of occupational exposure is a very common cause of work-related ill-health. According to the Labour Force Survey (2017/2018), 63 per 100,000 employees report hearing issues which have either been caused or made worse by their job roles. Occupational hearing loss, although preventable, cannot be reversed. Since the ear is […]

The Importance of Effective Occupational Road Safety Management

Prevalence Work-related vehicle accidents in the UK still seem to be a rather big cause for concern: according to the HSE, every year there are over 5000 incidents which involve transport in the workplace with about 50 of those resulting in people being killed. As stated by their report, up to one-third of all road […]

What Is a Confined Space Medical?

Does your business involve working in enclosed spaces? If the answer is yes, then it might be worth it to consider having a confined space medical performed. Confined space medicals ensure that your employees are fit to work in such environments and are able to safely escape in case they need to. What classifies as […]

Remote Work and Insomnia: Is There a Connection?

Ever since the COVID pandemic struck in 2020, remote work has become increasingly popular, and it seems that it is here to stay. Not only have lots of employees got used to this type of work, but many have come to prefer it. Indeed, working from home comes with many advantages: commuting is no longer […]

Occupational Skin Conditions: What You Need to Know

Occupational skin diseases are amongst the most commonly reported work-related health issues. According to data from the HSE, an estimation of 16,000 people working within the last year are suffering from skin issues that they claim have been caused or worsened by work. Such diseases not only have the capability to end impacted employees’ careers, […]

Night Work: What Are the Risks?

According to most recent data, more than 3 million people currently work nights in the UK. This means that night workers make up 11,5% of Britain’s workforce, or one in nine employees. As night shifts can often be slower paced in comparison to daytime work, they are sometimes preferred by individuals who enjoy the solitude […]

Business Accolade for CEO of Healthscreen UK

Samantha Bennett, CEO of Healthscreen UK, has reached the finals of this year’s Business Woman of the Year Awards. Healthscreen UK is part of the umbrella company, Hear4U and Healthscreen Ltd which is made up of six business divisions. The company name is made up of Healthscreen UK, and Hear4U, a hearing clinic with three […]

Healthscreen’s New Clinic – Park House, Birmingham

Healthscreen has expanded its services once again, and this time into Birmingham – the second largest city and metropolitan area in the UK. The new clinic will be based inside Park House, a premium business centre just down the road from Longbridge town centre. As part of the Regus group, this establishment is prized for […]

Isocyanates – What They Are and Why You Should Look Out For Them

Isocyanates Monitoring – What It Is and Why It’s So Crucial To Look Out For What are Isocyanates? Isocyanates are a family of highly reactive chemicals with a low molecular weight. They are powerful irritants to the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts as well as the mucous membranes of the eyes, and can also cause […]

Healthscreen’s New Clinic – The Harrogate Road Clinic in Moortown, Leeds

Healthscreen UK have once more branched out to another clinic, this time in the bustling streets of Moortown in Leeds. The Harrogate Road clinic is a charming building situated just down the road from the scenic Moortown and approximately 15 minutes’ drive away from Leeds city centre. In addition to this easy access, the building […]

Clinics-on-Wheels: Have You Checked Out Healthscreen’s Mobile Units?

It is celebrated news that we have recently expanded our clinics and are now operating from The Pines Hospital in Manchester and Tolherst Court in Kent alongside our clinic in Hinckley, Leicestershire. Our clientele now has three locations to choose from if they wish to visit us – but it doesn’t stop there! Healthscreen are […]

Healthscreen’s New Clinic – The Pines Hospital, Manchester

This pristine, almost palatial hospital is easily found just outside the city centre in the luscious green of South Manchester and sits conveniently close to the airport and with excellent access to the nearby motorway and rail links. The Pines boasts incredible facilities within, and benefits from two state-of-the-art theatres; one fitted with lamina flow […]

Solvent Screening

What is a solvent? A solvent is a substance that can dissolve to form a solution. What is solvent screening? It is a type of screening used to test for multiple solvents to make you are aware of what needs monitoring. Why are solvents monitored? The main reasons for solvent monitoring are to comply with […]

Xylene Monitoring

Xylene remained unidentified and innominate until 1850, when a distinguished French scientist made its discovery… His name was Auguste Andre Thomas Cahours, and his contribution to organic chemistry was among the greatest in history… Auguste Cahours discovered the processes of synthesis in various chemical molecules including toluene, several organo-magnesium’s and in derivatives of phosphine and […]

Styrene Monitoring – All You Need To Know

Let’s start with a tale… On one ordinary day in 1839, a German apothecary named Eduard Simon accidentally discovered polystyrene. He isolated a strange liquid from the resin of American Sweetgum tree which he termed “styrol”. Several days later, he noticed that when “styrol” was exposed to air, light, and heat, it transformed into a […]

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Monitoring – The Need to Knows

What is MEK? Methyl Ethyl Ketone, otherwise known as MIBK or butanone is a colourless liquid with an acetone-like odour. It is mostly used in the application of protective coatings and adhesives, reflecting its fine characteristics as a solvent. Other uses include pesticide application, or in factories that produce paint, rubber and machinery. Whilst MEK […]

Nickel Monitoring – Why You Might Need It

What is it? Nickel is a silvery-white lustrous metal that carries a slight golden tinge and is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It has been used for millennia but was first formally classified in 1751 by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt. Pure native nickel is found in the Earth’s crust in […]

Perchloroethylene Monitoring

What is Perchloroethylene? Also known as tetrachloroethylene, tetrachloroethene, perc/PERC and PCE, perchloroethylene is a chlorocarbon that takes the form of a colourless, sweet-smelling liquid. Celebrated self-taught English physicist and chemist Michael Faraday first managed to synthesize it in 1821 by the thermal decomposition of hexachloroethane. What is it used for? Since that initial breakthrough, PCE […]

Methylene Chloride Monitoring – What Should I Watch Out For?

What is it? Methylene Chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a colourless, highly volatile liquid with a sweet aroma much like chloroform. This organochloride compound can occur naturally, and is found in wetlands, macroalgae and even volcanoes; however, the vast majority of it is made as a result of industrial emissions. What is it […]

The Ongoing Importance of Chromium (Chrome) Monitoring

What is Chromium (Chrome)? Chromium is a chemical element, much like titanium, iron or copper. In its unpolished form, it’s a hard, grey, brittle transition metal; when polished, it reflects up to 70% of the visible spectrum and 90% of infrared light. It is from this that it derives its name, from the Greek χρῶμα, […]

Benzene Screening – Why It’s So Crucial

Among Healthscreen UK’s extensive range of services is that of Benzene monitoring. So, what exactly is this strange substance and why should you look out for it? What is Benzene? Benzene is a colourless or light yellowish chemical compound that is a liquid at room temperature. It originates partly from southwest Asia, where a resin […]

Lung Function Testing

Who is a Lung Function Test for? Lung function is a vastly important and often overlooked test to have, especially if you work in any workplace environment outside an office. Indeed, there are many industries wherein it should be an absolute necessity but oftentimes, employers and employees alike are not fully aware of the at-risk […]

What you should know about Physiotherapy in the workplace

What is Physiotherapy treatment? Physiotherapy is a treatment done by highly trained Physiotherapists, who are experts that specialise in assessing movement, so that they can advise on physical activities to do to help improve movement or apply pressure to certain areas to help ease it and increase mobility. The aim of it is to restore […]

Musculoskeletal

What is Musculoskeletal? Musculoskeletal (MSK) health is essential to a full working life. It supports us with functional mobility and dexterity, balance and coordination. It also contributes to muscular strength and endurance and is essential to nearly all forms of work. They can be episodic or chronic in duration and can also result from injury […]

RIDDOR Regulations

What are the RIDDOR Regulations? RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations and its latest update was in 2013. It’s put in place to regulate the legal responsibility to report deaths, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences that occur at work or in connection with work. This law requires employers to […]

HAVS Regulations

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a serious and debilitating condition that affects workers using hand-held power tools and machinery that transmit vibration. This syndrome can lead to significant health issues, including damage to blood vessels, nerves, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. Consequently, HAVS is recognised as a significant occupational health risk, prompting […]

Who needs audiometry in the workplace?

As an employer, it’s your duty to provide health surveillance (hearing checks) for all your employees who are likely to be regularly exposed above the high levels of noise exposure. Audiometry tests are done to prevent long term hearing damage as the test detects any early damage to hearing from exposure to noise. If your […]

Process of Audiometry Testing

Audiometry is a form of test that measures the range and sensitivity of your workers hearing. It is essential when working in noisy work environments or when there has been a change in the workplace that effects noise exposure as it could help prevent long term hearing damage as it can detect early damage to […]

Spirometry and COVID19 – What is the process?

We have had a lot of enquiries for workplace Spirometry tests throughout the pandemic but due to COVID19 this is classed as a high risk medical as Spirometry is a high risk aerosol. This is due to the breath being released in a sharp exhale that can be considered as a “Jet Like” airflow. As […]

How to make your workplace Covid Secure and protect your workers – Part 3

As I’m sure we all aware, Coronavirus can spread through touching surfaces which is why it is paramount that hand washing, cleaning and general hygiene is maintained throughout to help stop the spread of the virus and ensure your business is Covid Secure. Hand Sanitisers and Handwashing One of the main ways to help stop […]

How To Make Your Workplace Covid-Secure and Protect Your Workers – Part 2

What do we mean by social distancing? Social distancing is ensuring people are 2 metres apart in the workplace (where possible). This can greatly reduce the spread of Coronavirus. Where it is not possible to maintain the 2-metre distance then you should look at additional control measures i.e. Creating a barrier between people using screens, […]

How To Make Your Workplace Covid Secure and Protect Your Workers

The main 5 changes are: – • Completing an up to date Risk assessment • Maintaining Social distancing • Ensuring Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing • Talking to your employees and providing up to date information • Allowing your employees to work from home where possible • Understanding the risks to Vulnerable workers Over the next […]

In-Clinic Appointments for Occupational Health

Our in-house clinic appointments for Occupational Health services such as safety critical medicals can be performed in either our Hinckley or Leicester centres. As well as this we offer UK-Wide coverage for all Occupational Health appointments using our mobile units. Making sure to bring your appointments local to you. Services Currently Available for In-Clinic Appointments […]

Referalls following a Health Surveillance

Following routine Health Surveillance, some employees require referrals. This means that the employee did not meet the criteria given by the HSE (https://www.hse.gov.uk/) to pass the job-specific assessments and needs further investigation from an Occupational Health Physician or an Occupational Health Advisor. The employee may have not passed one area of Health Surveillance or they […]

Forklift Truck Medical

“A Chorley company has been fined after a forklift truck (FLT) overturned on a slope trapping the driver. Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that on 1 December 2018 an employee of Staveley’s Eggs Ltd had been driving the FLT at the company’s premises at Goosnargh Near Preston, when the truck overturned, trapping the driver between the […]

Why choose Healthscreen Uk Ltd for your Occupational Health Surveillance?

Healthscreen Uk Ltd began in 1992 as a Nationwide Occupational Health Provider based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, covering England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Working with Healthscreen Uk Ltd has many benefits, such as our easy and fast-paced turnaround times. Healthscreen Uk Ltd provides high quality, flexible and cost-effective occupational health solutions. SEQOHS Accredited We are a […]

When Should A Noise Assessment Be Conducted

Covering all industries; the legislation requires any employer who intends to perform work that will likely expose the workforce to excessive noise, to complete a risk assessment that outlines how this will affect health and safety. It must also identify the necessary measures that will be taken to ensure noise levels meet the requirements of […]

Post-offer Medical

What is a Post-Offer Medical? A post-offer medical is used to assess your suitability for the position and the physical work environment for which you are being considered. This ensures you are not at increased risk of injury to yourself or other employees in this position. A post-employment medical can either be paper-based or face […]

Occupational Health Provider

A day in the life of an Occupational Health Provider. All employees are a key business asset and essential to productivity and profitability, this is where a Occupational Health Provider comes in. Occupational Health Providers keep people well at work – physically and mentally. Occupational Health Providers will help keep employees healthy and safe whilst […]

SEQOHS

SEQOHS is often explained using the following analogy – Imagine buying a second-hand car from an ad in the paper, you call up, it all sounds amazing, you go to view it, the car is gleaming inside and out, you knock them down on the price a bit and BAM, you have bagged yourself a […]

Healthy Worker Medical

More and more employers are concerned with keeping their staff healthy by providing general healthy worker assessments and health promotion information. Promoting a culture that improves the health and wellbeing of employees is good management and leads to healthy and productive workplaces. Many employers consider such provision good business sense, ensuring they protect their most […]

Working At Height

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 is to state that all employees who work at height should undergo a medical assessment, to reduce the risk of falls, injury and death, caused by a fall from height. If you are still unsure whether this medicine is for you, please contact our lovely office ladies on 01455 243700 and they will advise you accordingly.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Issues

Drug and Alcohol Testing is essential for any modern company and can be the difference between a healthy and happy workforce and possible injuries if not deaths. Read More Inside:

Audiometry

Why do I need an Audiometry Test? “Exposure to noise at work can cause irreversible hearing damage. It is one of the commonest health problems and can be difficult to detect as the effects build up gradually over time. Throughout all industry, industrial hearing loss remains the occupational disease with the highest number of civil […]

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVs)

Prepare and Prevent, don’t repair and repent! “A company based across the UK have been fined £500,000 for hundreds of their employees that have been diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, over a 9-year period! Even though the employers had the knowledge of importance, they did not take on board any advice once having their […]

Lung Function Test

Lung Function Tests can be the difference between a hefty fine for your business and it running at peak efficiency, Read More Here

What is Health Surveillance

Health surveillance is a system of ongoing health checks. These health checks may be required by law for employees who are exposed to noise or vibration, ionising radiation, solvents, fumes, dusts, biological agents and other substances hazardous to health, or work in compressed air. What can occupational health surveillance do? Health surveillance can lead to […]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) In The Workplace

Try to avoid any activity that may cause CTS to become worse. Carpal tunnel syndrome can often be relieved by shaking the wrist,however, this does not always help relieve symptoms. Other treatments include: Wearing a wrist splint. Physical therapy such as exercises or stretching. An occupational therapist may be able to advise on suitable activities. […]

Occupational Health Surveillance in The Motor Vehicle Repair Industry

Occupational Health Surveillance is an essential part of making sure your employees are safe & healthy, read our Healthscreen UK guide here:

Returning To Work Following Surgery

Providing the best answer to the surgery question isn’t always clear cut, and there is little evidence and often a lot of misunderstanding among patients and clinicians. There is a high level of variability between the time it takes different people to return to work after surgery and in addition to issues which are clearly medical there are often confounding issues such as non-scientific advice and inappropriate beliefs.

Why You Need Hearing Screening At Your Business

Hearing Screening is an essential part of any business that deals with even moderate levels of noise on a daily basis, learn how to book your appointment today & how it can drastically improve your business:

Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Industry

Musculoskeletal Disorders are becoming a common site among employees in high physical stress industries, get your Musculoskeletal Assesment today:

Occupational Asthma- Causes, Treatments & Prevention.

Do you have employees who suffer from Asthma? Learn how to handle their health risks here:

What You Need To Know About Occupational Health in Food Manufacturing

In order to protect your staff and indeed your business, you need to put in place a comprehensive health and safety strategy, see how we can help you through the information provided in this free article

Occupational Respiratory Disease

Respiratory disease is a serious problem for the industry. It is imperative that this issue is included in your occupational health strategy. For the industries we have detailed here it is also imperative that they undertake occupational health surveillance of employees where necessary.

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