Workplace Asbestos Medicals & Health Surveillance
Workplace Asbestos Medicals & Health SurveillanceAsbestos exposure is a significant workplace risk that requires careful monitoring to protect employees. At OH Well, we provide asbestos medical assessments for businesses across Canterbury, helping to safeguard health and maintain a safe workplace.
An asbestos medical assessment is a specialised health check designed to detect and monitor the effects of asbestos exposure on workers. The examination is carried out by one of our qualified occupational health nurses and forms part of a wider asbestos medical surveillance programme required under WorkSafe NZ guidelines.
When Asbestos fibres are inhaled it can lead to serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Medical surveillance when working with asbestos is essential, especially because these conditions have a long latency period. Asbestos medicals are not only keeping your staff safe, but they ensure that as a business, you are complying with WorkSafe NZ guidelines.
Even short-term exposure to materials containing asbestos can cause health risks. Workers in industries such as construction, demolition and maintenance are particularly vulnerable. Regular medical examinations ensure risks are monitored and mitigated, giving both employees and employers reassurance.
WorkSafe NZ requires medical surveillance for workers who are at risk of exposure to asbestos. This includes a baseline asbestos health assessment followed by regular monitoring.
Employers must provide ongoing health monitoring as part of their duty of care. Asbestos medicals not only help protect workers but also demonstrate that an organisation is compliant with occupational health legislation.
Surveillance usually starts before asbestos work begins, then continues at intervals based on risk level. We can work with you to implement an appropriate schedule.
Following an asbestos medical examination, a medical certificate is issued confirming no detection of respiratory changes and the worker is fit for asbestos-related work. OH Well also provides clear reporting for employers, ensuring all documentation is compliant and easy to manage.
Anyone who directly handles, removes, or works in environments where asbestos is present requires an asbestos medical assessment.
Trades and construction workers face the highest risk, so regular surveillance protects them and keeps your business compliant with NZ regulations.
Our team has extensive experience and training for conducting asbestos medicals and health surveillance across industries in Canterbury. We understand the specific risks faced by both large organisations and contractors working on varied job sites. All OH Well nurses completing asbestos medicals are qualified in spirometry (lung function) testing.
OH Well works closely with employers to ensure all assessments meet WorkSafe NZ standards. We’ll help provide guidance on medical surveillance programmes for your business.
Every workplace has different needs. We offer flexible asbestos medical assessments, whether you need a one-off medical examination or an ongoing asbestos medical surveillance programme for your team.
Keep your workforce safe while meeting your workplace health and safety obligations. OH Well offers asbestos medical assessments across Canterbury.
Get in touch with our team today to arrange an asbestos medical test for your employees or to discuss a health monitoring programme for your business.
What is an asbestos medical assessment?
It’s a health examination designed to monitor the impact of asbestos exposure and ensure workers are fit to carry out asbestos-related tasks.
Is medical testing for asbestos exposure mandatory?
Yes. Under WorkSafe NZ regulations, asbestos workers must undergo regular, 2 yearly medical surveillance.
Why do asbestos workers need medical testing?
Testing helps detect health issues early, provides reassurance for workers, and ensures employers comply with safety legislation.
How often do asbestos workers need medical testing?
WorkSafe NZ requires a full asbestos medical to be performed every 2 years from when work with asbestos commences, regardless of when the staff member began work with the employer.
Freephone: 0800 ohwell (649 355)
Unit 5A/303 Blenheim Rd, Upper Riccarton
PO Box 9007
Tower Junction
Christchurch 8149
Phone: 03 377 2661