HEALTH
MONITORING
SIMPLIFIED
WHAT IS
HEALTH MONITORING?
Health monitoring in Australian occupational health is a vital process that protects workers from job-related health risks. It involves regular health checks, medical exams, and tests to detect early signs of illness caused by workplace hazards like chemicals, silica, asbestos and noise. This proactive approach ensures swift intervention, preventing serious health issues and providing workers with peace of mind.
Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, employers must implement health monitoring when there is significant exposure risk. This legal requirement underscores the commitment to safeguarding workers’ health, valuing their well-being, and ensuring they return home safely to their families each day. Health monitoring is more than a compliance measure; it’s a crucial protection for workers’ lives.
We place your health and wellbeing as our utmost priority which is why our health monitoring and pre-employment medical services are doctor led so you have the best possible advice, service, assessments and screening, knowing you are in the hands of a professional. Our services are powered by Qualitas Occupational Health so you know you’re in good hands and we can make your experience quick and easy.
Our industry experience and constant innovation allows us to keep up to date with what you require to make sure you and your staff are covered and protected for work. To find out more about what you will require for your medical checks check the informational provided below.
RCS MONITORING
ASBESTOS
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS 50+
PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL
PHYSICAL FUNCTION TEST
RAIL | CATEGORY 1
RAIL | CATEGORY 2
RAIL | CATEGORY 3
ISOCYANATE
RCS MONITORING
Respirable Crystalline Silica Monitoring – Prior to commencement of work on major infrastructure projects in NSW it may be a requirement for workers to undertake mandatory health monitoring & testing. In these instances, it will be a prerequisite to be inducted on site. Check with your WHS Officer/Supervisor or consult your WHS Policy to determine your requirements.
Medical Questionnaire
Spirometry
ILO Chest X-ray
Quantitative Fit Test
- Urinalysis
To find out more about RCS monitoring click here
ASBESTOS
Asbestos poses serious health risks when inhaled, necessitating stringent health monitoring for exposed workers. These requirements include regular medical exams, respiratory tests, and chest xrays (if required) to detect early signs of asbestos-related diseases. Adhering to these protocols helps ensure early detection and protection of workers’ health. Testing for asbestos includes:
Medical History Check
Physical Health assessment
Work Environment Assessment
Respiratory System Check
Spirometry
Review of BLL (Blood Lead Level)
Check X-ray (if required)
Please note: If you have had a recent ILO chest xray, it is recommended that you present your results to the doctor for your asbestos monitoring. To find out more or book click here
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
Taxi drivers, public transport drivers, couriers and truck drivers are all required to undergo Fitness To Drive medicals. This assessment identifies any health conditions and treatments that may harm a driver’s sensory, cognitive, or motor function whilst driving.
Doctor Examination
Medical History
Vision Test
Audiometric Assessment – Hearing Test
Instant Drug and Alcohol Dip
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS 50+
Commercial driver medicals must be completed every three years for drivers under age 50 and annually for those over age 50. This includes a Spirometry test.
Spirometry
Doctor Examination
Medical History
Vision Test
Audiometric Assessment – Hearing Test
Instant Drug and Alcohol Dip
PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL
The necessary tests may vary depending on the specific role and responsibilities assigned by the employer, who establishes the minimum requirements. Please check with your PCBU for further information.
PHYSICAL FUNCTION TEST
Physical function tests can vary depending on the requirements of the job.
Questionnaire
Height, Weight, BMI and Blood Pressure
Grip Strength
Musculoskeletal Special Tests
Postural Tolerances – maintaining a (balanced) kneel and squat for 30 seconds or greater
Cardiovascular Fitness Step Test – 3 minutes with a step height of 30.5cm
Lifting – floor to shoulder (4 reps)
Carrying – waist to waist (2 reps x 20m)
Job Specific Testing
RAIL | CATEGORY 1
The Category 1 Rail Medical designation is reserved for individuals undertaking crucial safety-critical tasks within the rail industry.
It applies to rail safety workers engaged in high-level safety-critical duties, where their health issues could lead to sudden incapacity or collapse, potentially causing a serious incident that jeopardises public safety or disrupts rail operations.
As outlined in the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers, a serious incident encompasses various scenarios, including accidents or events resulting in death, incapacitating injuries, significant damage to rolling stock through collisions or derailments, or any occurrence leading to substantial property damage.
In essence, the Category 1 rail medical certification represents the highest level of medical clearance within the rail sector.
Vision Test
Cardiovascular Systems Check
Audiometric Assessment – Hearing Test
Urinalysis
Mobility Check
Breath Alcohol Screen
ECG
Cholesterol
Glucose Check
Instant Drug Screen
RAIL | CATEGORY 2
This pertains to employees engaged in safety-critical tasks where an unexpected loss of ability won’t jeopardise public safety or disrupt rail operations.
This medical classification is designated for roles demanding heightened vigilance, yet a sudden inability to perform due to health issues doesn’t pose a risk to the rail network. Examples of positions requiring this classification include Signallers, Train Controllers, and personnel working on train platforms.
Vision Test
Cardiovascular Systems Check
Audiometric Assessment – Hearing Test
Urinalysis
Mobility Check
Breath Alcohol Screen
Instant Drug Screen
RAIL | CATEGORY 3
Category 3 or Around the Track Person Workers are also known as non-safety critical workers. This is the minimum requirement to work within the rail corridor. A medical assessment will check the ability of a worker to walk in the rail corridor, work under supervision, and identify and move to a safe place.
Vision Test
Audiometric Assessment – Hearing Test
Blood Pressure Check
Mobility
Breath Alcohol Screen
ISOCYANATE
Testing for isocyanate exposure typically involves assessing levels of isocyanates or their metabolites in the body. Isocyanates are chemicals commonly found in certain industrial processes, and exposure to them can occur in workplaces such as manufacturing, painting, and construction. Isocyanates are known respiratory sensitisers and can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems.
A periodic health monitoring assessment is required every 6 months. If no adverse health effects are identified then assessments are only required yearly.
Testing for Isocyanate may include:
Medical History Check
Physical Health Assessment
Work Environment Assessment
Cardiovascular System Check
Respiratory System Check
Spirometry
Urinalysis
Skin Check (Whole Body)
Blood Test (BLL)
- ILO Chest X-Ray (If required by PCBU)
To find out more about isocyanate testing and monitoring click here
QUICK & EASY
PROCESSES
STREAMLINED
MEDICAL CHECKS
We’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. There have been significant revisions to the pre-employment medical check requirements for construction workers. These changes aim to address evolving health risks specific to the construction industry, including skin cancer and silicosis. Skin cancer screenings have been introduced due to increased sun exposure risks, and silicosis screenings are included to tackle the growing concern of lung disease caused by silica dust exposure. The new requirements are more comprehensive and include skin cancer examinations, silicosis screenings, and additional tests based on the job role and work environment. These changes offer several advantages, including early disease detection, improved industry compliance, and reduced legal risks. SafetyCo has partnered with Qualitas OCC Health to support companies and workers in meeting these requirements.
Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, employers must implement health monitoring when there is significant exposure risk. This legal requirement underscores the commitment to safeguarding workers’ health, valuing their well-being, and ensuring they return home safely to their families each day. Health monitoring is more than a compliance measure; it’s a crucial protection for workers’ lives.
We place your health and wellbeing as our utmost priority which is why our health monitoring and pre-employment medical services are doctor led so you have the best possible advice, service, assessments and screening, knowing you are in the hands of a professional. Our services are powered by Qualitas Occupational Health so you know you’re in good hands and we can make your experience quick and easy.
Our industry experience and constant innovation allows us to keep up to date with what you require to make sure you and your staff are covered and protected for work. To find out more about what you will require for your medical checks check the informational provided below.
POWERED BY DOCTORS
We are thrilled about the prospects of this partnership and the positive impact it will have on workplace safety, quality control, and overall industry standards. Qualitas has the specialist expertise you need for all your pre-employment solutions. Qualitas OCC Health (QOH) is a premier provider of occupational health services and injury management solutions. Their mission since 1997 has been to assist in establishing a safer and healthier workforce by delivering high-quality occupational health services, returning injured workers to the workforce and to activities of daily living.
WHY IT's
IMPORTANT
Australia’s construction industry is a key driver of economic growth. In this sector, safety, quality, and compliance are paramount. Checks are vital for ensuring that the industry maintains these high standards.
Here are the reasons why pre-employment checks with doctors and medical professionals matter:
- Safety – Checks confirm that workers are fit for work, reducing accidents
- Compliance – Checks keep companies in line with regulations, avoiding legal issues
- Detection – Pre-existing conditions allow for the right processes to be taken
- Risk management – Presents a strong frontline risk management approach
- Employee retention – Matching candidates to roles reduces turnover and costs
- Quality control – Skilled employees maintain project quality
- Productivity – Increases workforce productivity and efficiency
- Reputation – Protects a company’s image and credibility
- Reduced turnover – Matching candidates to roles reduces turnover and costs
- Security – Background checks ensure site safety
MORE ABOUT monitoring
The workplace is witnessing a continuous surge in the need for health monitoring,
accompanied by increasingly stringent regulations governing both health
monitoring and pre-employment medical assessments.
We’ve simplified the work of finding your requirements for health and safety standards set by Safe Work Australia and made it more accessible to you.
ANNUAL SKIN
CANCER CHECK
CANCER CHECK
AUDIOMETRIC ASSESSMENT
CEMENT/CONCRETE
SKIN CHECK
SKIN CHECK
HAND AND NERVE FUNCTION
ILO CHEST X-RAY
(IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LUNGSCREEN AUSTRALIA)
(IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LUNGSCREEN AUSTRALIA)
INSTANT DRUG & ALCOHOL
QUANTITATIVE FIT TEST
SPIROMETRY
THERMOTOLERANCE TESTING
VISION
ANNUAL SKIN
CANCER CHECK
CANCER CHECK
Validity: 1 Year
Test Duration: 15-30 minutes
Our health professional will examine your head, face, neck torso, legs, feet, toes, arms, hands, and fingers. You will be required to undress to your underwear and a gown or blanket can be provided for your comfort. Genital areas are not routinely examined; however, skin cancers can develop in any area of the body and you should inform the doctor about any suspicious spots under your underwear. The doctor will only check these areas if you request them to do so. Your skin will be examined with a dermatoscope, which is a special skin microscope, which allows the doctor to see beneath the skin to make a decision regarding a suspicious skin lesion or mole. The examination is completely painless. If the doctor finds a suspicious spot, they might take a photograph to be recorded and analysed, and they might take a biopsy which is a sample of the skin.
AUDIOMETRIC ASSESSMENT
Validity: 2 years
Test Duration: 10-15 minutes
Hearing tests check a person’s ability to hear the loudness and pitch of sounds. The results are charted on a graph (audiogram) to help pinpoint the severity and causes of hearing problems. This test includes pure tone audiometry, using an audiometer.
To book your hearing test today click here
CEMENT/CONCRETE
SKIN CHECK
SKIN CHECK
A Cement/Concrete Skin Check for workers’ health and safety in Australia typically involves assessing and monitoring the skin health of individuals who work with cement or concrete. The goal is to identify and prevent skin conditions or irritations caused by exposure to cement and concrete, which may contain substances that can be harmful to the skin. Here are the key aspects involved:
Medical History and Symptoms:
Workers may be asked about their medical history, especially any previous skin conditions or allergies. Information about current symptoms related to skin exposure, such as redness, itching, or rash, is important.
Skin Examination:
A thorough examination of the skin, particularly areas exposed to cement or concrete, will be conducted. This may include the hands, arms, face, and other body parts that come into contact with these materials during work.
Identification of Skin Conditions:
The healthcare professional will look for signs of common skin conditions associated with cement and concrete exposure, such as irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, or other skin disorders.
HAND AND NERVE FUNCTION
Test Duration: 10 minutes
In a hand and nerve function test, the doctor will first inquire about any relevant medical history and symptoms related to hand or nerve issues. Following this, they will assess the function of your hands and nerves through a physical examination. This typically involves checking your grip strength, finger dexterity, and evaluating sensations in the hands. The doctor may perform specific manoeuvres to test nerve function, such as tapping or pressing on certain areas. Based on the findings, further diagnostic tests or imaging may be recommended. The doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest appropriate treatment options if needed.
ILO CHEST X-RAY
(IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LUNGSCREEN AUSTRALIA)
(IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LUNGSCREEN AUSTRALIA)
Validity: 1 year
Test Duration: 15 minutes
ILO (International Labour Organisation) Chest X-Rays are a common imaging test used to discover abnormalities in the lungs, airways, heart, blood vessels and bones. This type of imaging is quick and painless and involves the patient standing with their chest against an x-ray plate. ILO chest x-rays follow the same process as the standard procedure however the images are subject to different reporting requirements. This standard of reporting was introduced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses. It is used to classify images of patients who exhibit characteristics of pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of dust particles including asbestos fibres, crystalline silica and coal dust². Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is also called “Black Lung Disease” due to the ability of dust exposure to turn the lungs black.
To book your ILO Chest X-ray or find out more click here
INSTANT DRUG & ALCOHOL
Test Duration: 10 minutes
The drug and alcohol testing process begins with notifying employees of the policy. Once informed, employees provide written consent. Trained personnel then collect samples (urine, breath, or blood), which are analysed using established procedures. Results are reported confidentially to the employer and employee. Detailed records of the entire process and results are maintained for compliance and legal purposes.
QUANTITATIVE FIT TEST
Validity: 1 year
Test Duration: 10 minutes
A fit test is a validated method to determine whether the respirator being worn provides an adequate seal with a person’s face. The test is done while a person is wearing a respirator attached to a testing unit and carrying out a number of physical movements. A quantitative fit test is an objective measurement of respirator fit. A testing unit called the Portacount® machine will be used in WA public hospitals. The Portacount® works by measuring the concentration of microscopic particles in the ambient air and the concentration of those particles that leak into the respirator. The ratio of these two concentrations is called the fit factor.
The results indicate the effectiveness of the seal of a specific model of respirator against the face. While each physical movement done during the test gives a fit factor result, the overall fit factor from the combined scores is used to determine if the respirator provides the level of protection required. It is possible to have an adequate overall fit factor even if one of the physical movements returns an inadequate fit factor.
To book your quantitative fit test click here
SPIROMETRY
Validity: 1 year
Test Duration: 10 minutes
Before undergoing a spirometry test, it is essential to conduct a preliminary medical examination. The procedure involves a straightforward blowing test, where the individual is instructed to exhale forcefully into a designated device until instructed to cease by the tester. This process is repeated three times to assess lung function and overall respiratory health. Any detected abnormalities may necessitate additional tests and prompt referral to a medical professional.
THERMOTOLERANCE TESTING
Test Duration: 10 minutes
Thermotolerance testing involves a straightforward questionnaire designed to assess an individual’s ability to tolerate high temperatures. Participants answer questions related to their comfort and well-being in warm conditions, providing insights into their heat tolerance levels. The results help evaluate an individual’s capacity to withstand elevated temperatures and inform appropriate recommendations or interventions if necessary.
VISION
Validity: 1 year
Test Duration: 10mins
The visual chart test, commonly known as the Snellen chart, assesses visual acuity by having individuals read rows of letters of varying sizes at a standardised distance. Each eye is tested separately, and the smallest line accurately identified is recorded.
The results will help determine the need for corrective measures, such as glasses or further eye care if screening is not passed.
