Spirometry plays a vital role in occupational health surveillance by helping to determine if an employee demonstrates a specific pattern of respiratory impairment.
It is a lung function test that also helps to assess the effectiveness of protective measures in the workplace.
If you need to set up spirometry tests in your workplace to assess an individual’s suitability for a particular role, or to monitor their long term health, the Medigold Health team can help.
COSHH regulations set out expectations that employers will, as part of their duty of care, identify any hazardous or potentially hazardous substances that may be breathed in by employees at work and take action as required.

Find out more about our Spirometry Testing Service
Workplace Hazards that require Spirometry Screening Tests
These commonly include, but are not limited to:
- Colcophony fumes
- Gluteraldehydes
- Grain dust and flax
- Hardwood dusts
- Isocyanate paint sprays
- Metal plating processes
- Organic dusts
- Polyurethane resin
- Reactive dyes
- Silica dust
- Welding fume
Employees who are most likely to be exposed to respiratory sensitivities should be provided with suitable health surveillance, which should then include an assessment at the following intervals according to the HSE guidelines:
- Three months into employment (spirometry and questionnaire)
- Every six months for the first two years of employment with an annual review if no problems are identified.
How Medigold Health Can Help
We can help identify any areas within your working environment that may cause concern in relation to hazardous breathing environments or respiratory sensitivities.
We usually complete a questionnaire with your employees that asks about symptoms and occupational exposure to potentially hazardous substances.
This is followed by the spirometry test which provides us with individual results which are then compared to the statistically predicted result for a person of a similar age, height, gender and ethnicity. These tests take approximately 25 minutes per employee to complete.
Contact us for more information.
The Latest from our Blog…
Check out our blog for all of the latest news, events and updates from Medigold Health.
-
Occupational health referrals explained
Occupational health (OH) referrals play a key role in supporting employee wellbeing while helping employers make informed, fair decisions around managing sickness and absence. In this guide, we answer some key questions about the purpose of an occupational health referral, what to expect from the process and the benefits it[...]
Read More -
Health screening and health surveillance: what’s the difference?
Health screening and health surveillance are both valuable tools for supporting employee health, but they serve different purposes within the workplace. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, in an occupational health context they are not the same. The key difference lies in what is being assessed, why and when.[...]
Read More -
Biggest health risks compared by industry
No two workplaces are the same – and neither are the risks employees face. From hospital wards to construction sites, factories to office desks, every work environment brings unique challenges that can shape both physical and mental wellbeing. According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an estimated 1.7[...]
Read More
