Occupational health
Health monitoring
The purpose of the health monitoring is to assist in the evaluation of risk controls, by monitoring an employee's/worker’s health for the purpose of identifying changes in their health status due to one or more occupational exposures.
Health Monitoring should be considered when specific conditions are met:
- There is a known disease or adverse health condition related to the work activity/conditions.
- Valid techniques exist to detect signs of the disease or condition (e.g., spirometry, audiometry).
- There is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or condition may occur given the work activity/conditions.
- It is a legislative or other obligation.
Common hazards that may necessitate Health Monitoring include:
- Hazardous substances, particularly scheduled carcinogens.
- Biological agents.
- Lung irritants.
- Occupational Noise (Sound pressure) exposure.
- Class 3B and Class 4 lasers.
Health monitoring protocol guide
The document below outlines the responsibilities and processes for health monitoring related to potential workplace exposures to hazardous substances and other specific hazardous activities.
Occupational health monitoring Guide
Health and Hazard Assessment Questionnaire (HHAQ)
The University of Melbourne provides occupational health screening and monitoring services to University employees exposed to particular risks during their employment.
Supervisors must identify the occupational health risks associated with the activities undertaken by their staff (including Graduate Research students).
Where a supervisor determines a role requires occupational health monitoring, the employee must complete a Health and Hazard Questionnaire (HHAQ) in ServiceNow.
The HHAQ must be completed annually. To access the HHAQ via Service Now, please follow the link: Health and hazard assessment questionnaire (HHAQ).
Once submitted, a member of the Health and Safety Services team will review the submission and provide advice for health monitoring. Upon receipt of the advice, book into any necessary testing within 3 months.
Privacy policy
All medical records are kept strictly confidential, in line with the University Privacy Policy (MPF1104)
Spirometry and audiometry testing
Audiometric testing involves measuring a person’s hearing levels using an electro- acoustic instrument (audiometer) equipped with earphones.
If an employee is required to wear hearing protectors to control their exposure to noise above the noise exposure standard, they must do an audiometric testing.
Audiometric testing must be provided:
- within three months of an employee starting work that requires hearing protectors
- at least every two years
- at any time when reasonably requested by a HSR of the employee’s designated work group
Each employee tested will be be given a copy of their own report as soon as reasonably possible after the health and safety services receives it.
Spirometry tests how your lungs work using a device called a spirometer. During a test, you will blow air into a mouthpiece attached to the spirometer. The spirometer will measure how much air you blow out and how fast you can blow in one go. You will be asked to do this multiple times.
Spirometry testing must be provided:
- within three months of an employee starting relevant work
- annually
Each employee tested will be be given a copy of their own report as soon as reasonably possible after the health and safety services receives it.
On-campus testing
Health and Safety Services arranges regular on-campus audiometry and spirometry testing for staff to book. This is provided via our mobile testing service.
If a site requires additional testing outside of regular arrangements, please contact ohs-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au . The following conditions must be met:
- HHAQ is submitted by each staff member, with recommendations for audiometry or spirometry made by Health and Safety Services.
- A minimum of 16 tests are required for a 4-hour booking period.
Noise management procedure
Information coming soon.