How would a Deputy ensure health surveillance for workers exposed to silica or noise?

• A. Do nothing.
• B. Implement medical surveillance programs, maintain records, and ensure exposures are monitored and mitigated with controls.
• C. Only provide PPE without monitoring.
• D. Rely on annual general health checks.

Answer: (B)

Providing health surveillance for workers exposed to silica or noise means setting up a structured program that combines medical checks, careful record-keeping, and active control of exposures. Silica exposure can lead to lung diseases like silicosis, while loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss, so catching early changes and preventing progression is essential. A well-designed program uses baseline and periodic medical assessments, including relevant tests (such as lung function and hearing tests), and keeps detailed records of exposures and health findings to track trends and demonstrate compliance.

The best approach brings together medical surveillance, records, and exposure monitoring and mitigation. Medical surveillance identifies early effects so interventions can be made before harm occurs. Maintaining records ensures you can review exposure histories, health outcomes, and whether controls are working. Actively monitoring exposures and applying controls—engineering measures to reduce dust and noise, administrative controls like work scheduling, and using PPE only as a supplementary measure—keeps risk under control and protects workers over time.

Relying on PPE alone, or on annual general health checks, or doing nothing, misses the proactive, evidence-based steps necessary to manage specific occupational hazards. The combination described provides both protection and the data to improve safety continuously.