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    Biological Health Surveillance

    Safework Health's biological monitoring service protects workers from hazardous chemicals.;
    NATA Accredited Service

    Biological Health Surveillance in the Workplace

    Biological health surveillance is an essential part of keeping workers safe in environments where hazardous chemicals are present. At SafeWork Health, we provide NATA-accredited biological monitoring services across Australia, helping businesses detect early signs of harmful exposure and meet their legal obligations.

    Our testing services support industries where substances like isocyanates and phenols are common, ensuring your team remains protected and your organisation remains compliant. We also help businesses streamline other key health and safety services, including workplace drug testing. This may involve a saliva drug test, an instant drug test, or a drug test for job readiness.

    Safework Health's biological monitoring service protects workers from hazardous chemicals.;
    Safework Health provides urine drug testing in the workplace;

    Biological Monitoring Services for Workplace Safety

    Biological monitoring involves analysing biological samples, such as urine, to assess a worker’s exposure to harmful substances. It’s a proactive way to identify risks early and take action before symptoms or illnesses develop. SafeWork Health’s testing programs include transparent reporting, expert guidance, and a five-day turnaround from when a sample reaches our lab.

    We specialise in testing for isocyanates and phenols, two chemical groups commonly found in industries like manufacturing, mining, automotive repair, and industrial painting. By conducting biological monitoring in the workplace, you can make informed decisions to protect worker health, adjust controls, and refine safety protocols.

    Safework Health provides urine drug testing in the workplace;

    Fast results

    Guaranteed 5-day turnaround time for results from the time a sample reaches our laboratory.

    National provider

    Cover all states and territories in Australia, providing greater accessibility.

    Certified laboratory

    Accredited by NATA, providing assurance that our laboratory meets the highest standards for quality and reliability.

    Efficient testing method

    Urine testing is a cost-effective, accurate and fast way to monitor workers’ health.

    Workplace Health Monitoring with NATA-Accredited Testing

    Workplace health monitoring becomes far more reliable when it’s backed by expert handling and accredited testing. Our Brisbane-based lab was one of the first in Australia to receive NATA accreditation for biological health surveillance related to isocyanates and phenols.

    We provide clear, timely insights to help businesses act quickly. Our urine testing method is cost-effective, accurate, and suitable for various settings with hazardous chemical use.

    We also support employers with broader occupational health services, such as fitness assessments and alcohol and drug screening programs.

    Safework Health's health surveillance service protects workers from hazardous chemicals.;

    What Are Isocyanates?

    Isocyanates are used in polyurethane products, spray paints, adhesives, and foams. They are known to cause occupational asthma, dermatitis, and eye irritation. In Australia, monitoring for isocyanates is a legislated requirement in many jurisdictions. Exposure often occurs in:

    • Automotive workshops
    • Industrial painting facilities
    • Mining and tunnel works

    Our testing helps employers monitor changes over time, confirm PPE effectiveness, and comply with legal standards.

    Safework Health's health surveillance service protects workers from hazardous chemicals.;
    Phenol and isocyanate urine testing;

    What Are Phenols?

    Phenols are found in disinfectants, dyes, fertilisers, and resin production. Prolonged exposure can lead to skin and organ damage. Phenol health monitoring ensures early detection of risks for workers in sectors such as:

    • Chemical manufacturing
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Paint and plastics production

    Our urine testing program for phenols gives you reliable data to support health protection efforts.

    Phenol and isocyanate urine testing;
    Pre employment medical;

    Why Biological Monitoring in the Workplace Matters

    Regular biological monitoring in the workplace is not just about ticking compliance boxes—it’s about protecting people. Many harmful chemicals are odourless, colourless, or slow to produce symptoms, making early detection essential.

    Exposure to chemicals like isocyanates can lead to serious respiratory issues, while phenol exposure may affect the skin, nervous system, and internal organs. Through our health surveillance programs, we help employers:

    • Identify overexposure before health issues arise
    • Adjust control measures and PPE policies
    • Track long-term chemical risks
    • Provide data to support Safe Work Australia compliance

    Read More

    Pre employment medical;
     

    How Our Workplace Health Monitoring Works

    SafeWork Health makes biological surveillance simple, fast, and efficient. Here’s how our process works:

     
    1. Initial Setup: We work with your team to identify at-risk roles and determine which substances must be monitored.
    2. Sample Collection: We provide clear instructions and collection kits or attend onsite to assist.
    3. Lab Testing: Our accredited lab processes samples within five business days.
    4. Reporting: You receive easy-to-read reports with clear next steps or recommendations.
    5. Follow-Up: Where necessary, we guide you through further testing, reporting, or health referrals.
     

    We tailor our services to your business needs and help integrate surveillance with broader WHS initiatives.

     

    Workplace Medical Surveillance for Isocyanates and Phenols

    SafeWork Health focuses on the two most common chemical groups where surveillance is needed: isocyanates and phenols. These substances are found in many commercial and industrial products and can pose significant health risks.

     

    National Coverage and Fast Turnaround

    We service every state and territory, offering flexible collection options and efficient logistics. Our five-day turnaround means you can act quickly if exposure risks are identified.

    This national reach helps companies with multiple sites ensure consistency and quality control across their health surveillance programs. By having rapid access to results, employers can prevent long-term harm and adjust safety procedures in real-time.

     

    Supporting Documentation and Compliance

    We help clients meet all documentation and reporting requirements for WHS authorities. Our team supports:

     
    • Secure storage of surveillance records
    • Compliance with privacy and data handling laws
    • Review of workplace control measures
    • Liaison with occupational health physicians
     

    Workplace health surveillance records are a vital tool in managing safety over time. Our reporting ensures you have everything you need to remain compliant.

     

    Industries That Need Health Monitoring in the Workplace

    Biological health surveillance is common in the following industries:

     
    • Spray painting and surface coating
    • Industrial cleaning and maintenance
    • Automotive repair and refinishing
    • Agriculture and chemical manufacturing
    • Mining and tunnel boring
    • Resin and foam production
     

    In these environments, health monitoring in the workplace is essential to maintain safety and protect long-term wellbeing.

     

    Working with SafeWork Health

    When you partner with SafeWork Health, you gain access to a national provider with experience across various industries. We work closely with clients to ensure:

     
    • Testing is cost-effective and reliable
    • Programs meet all relevant state and federal guidelines
    • Results are delivered quickly and clearly
    • Support is available whenever you need it
     

    Our expert team can also coordinate services such as saliva drug test programs and broader occupational health services to keep your workforce safe.

    Our programs also connect easily with other services, including pre-employment fitness test evaluations and baseline medical checks.

    Key benefits include:

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    Start Your Workplace Health Surveillance Program

    Protecting your team starts with early detection. At SafeWork Health, we make workplace health surveillance straightforward and reliable, with fast results and expert support at every stage.

    To get started or speak to a specialist about your biological health surveillance needs, contact us today. Let’s work together to create a safer, healthier workplace for everyone.

    workplace-health-construction-worker;

    FAQs

    Who needs biological monitoring in the workplace?

    Workers who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals like isocyanates or phenols should undergo regular biological monitoring. 

    This applies particularly to automotive painting, industrial manufacturing, chemical handling, and mining industries. Monitoring helps ensure that employees are not being exposed to harmful levels of toxins and supports early detection of potential health risks before symptoms appear.

    How often should workplace health surveillance be done?

    The frequency of workplace health surveillance depends on the specific risks present, the type of chemicals involved, and legal requirements in your jurisdiction. 

    In many cases, surveillance is required annually, but for higher-risk roles or changing work environments, more frequent testing may be needed. A qualified provider can help determine the most appropriate schedule based on your operations.

    Is workplace medical surveillance mandatory in Australia?

    Yes, under WHS regulations in Australia, employers must provide medical surveillance if workers are exposed to substances known to cause harm, such as isocyanates. These laws are designed to prevent occupational illness by identifying harmful exposures early. Employers must also keep accurate records and ensure surveillance is carried out by trained professionals using accredited methods.

    What’s the difference between biological monitoring and health surveillance?

    Biological monitoring is a component of health surveillance, focusing on measuring a chemical or its by-products in a worker’s body, usually through urine or blood tests. Health surveillance is broader and may include medical assessments, lung function testing, skin checks, and clinical evaluations. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive view of how a worker’s health may be affected by their job.

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    Contact us for more information on our biological health surveillance service. 

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