Asbestos Medical

If you work with asbestos, you face significant health risks and require a proof-of-medical certificate at least once every two or three years (depending on the activity’s risk). Our experienced GPs provide thorough medical assessments at a time that suits you without any waiting lists so that you can continue to work safely, free from any asbestos-related conditions.

Asbestos Control Legislation

The UK government introduced the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 after the European Commission ruled that the UK had not effectively implemented EU Directive 2009/148/EC. The regulations state that all workers performing notifiable non-licensed and licensed work with asbestos must be surveilled by a Doctor. 

Licenced vs Non-Licenced Asbestos Medicals

Depending on your profession and responsibilities, you need one of two types of asbestos medicals in the UK. You will need to consult the HSE guidelines to clarify if your work needs to be “licensed” or “non-licensed”.

What is the Difference Between Licenced and Unlicenced Medicals?

The primary difference between licensed and non-licensed asbestos medicals in the UK lies in their purpose and the level of detail involved.

In essence, licensed asbestos medicals provide a more comprehensive assessment to ensure that individuals who require an asbestos licence are medically fit to work with this hazardous material.

Our Licensed and Non-Licensed Medicals

We offer:

• Asbestos Non-Licenced Medical and Fit to Work Assessment
• Asbestos Non-Licenced Medical
• Asbestos Licenced Medical and Fit to Work Assessment
• Asbestos Licence Medical

Here is what each includes:

Asbestos Non-Licensed Medicals

This assessment is designed for individuals who work with asbestos but do not require a formal asbestos licence. Our experienced medical professionals will conduct a thorough examination, including:

• Medical history review: We'll assess your past and current health conditions to identify any potential risk factors
• Physical examination: Our physician will carefully examine you for any signs of asbestos-related health issues. Conducting a respiratory examination, hearing test, skin assessment and HAVS questionnaire. 
• Lung function test: This test measures your lung capacity and helps identify any potential abnormalities
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can detect any early signs of asbestos-related lung diseases. Our team will refer your employee for these if necessary. 

Asbestos Non-Licensed Medical and Fit to Work Assessment

This assessment is designed for individuals who work with asbestos but do not require a formal asbestos licence, and also need to demonstrate their fitness to work with asbestos. Our experienced medical professionals will conduct a comprehensive examination, including:

• All the elements of the non-licensed medical
• Fit to work assessment: We'll determine if your health condition allows you to safely continue working with asbestos and in the workplace. 

Asbestos Licensed Medicals

This assessment is specifically for individuals who require an asbestos licence but do not need a fit-to-work assessment. Our licensed medical professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation, including:

• All the elements of the non-licensed medical
• Additional tests: Depending on your specific circumstances, we may recommend further tests, such as a high-resolution CT scan or a bronchoscopy

Asbestos Licensed Medical and Fit to Work Assessment

If you require an asbestos licence, this assessment is essential. Our licensed medical professionals will conduct a more in-depth evaluation, including:

• All the elements of the non-licensed medical
• All the additional tests of the licensed medical

Fit to work assessment: We'll determine if your health condition allows you to safely continue working with asbestos and in the workplace. 

Materials Containing Asbestos

Before the health concerns were known, many building materials contained asbestos, making it common in UK homes. Here are some typical asbestos-based materials that you may come across:

• Ceiling, floor or cavity insulation
• Automatic parts, including valves, gaskets, clutches and brake pads
• Sprayed coatings for walls, beams and ceilings
• Textured coatings
• Roofing felt
• Tiles, textiles and composites

Diseases Arising from Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure causes significant respiratory health issues, some of which can be fatal. There are four main complications:

• Lung Cancer
• Mesothelioma - a cancer that affects the lungs’ lining
• Asbestosis - non-malignant lung tissue scarring 
• Non-Malignant Pleural Disease - affecting the lungs’ outer lining

These risks highlight why asbestos medicals are vital for protecting your long-term health.

If your medical shows any signs of an underlying condition, we can request further investigations from our Birmingham clinic for further diagnosis. You will have the results in no time, and then our experienced GPs can explain their ramifications and create a tailored treatment plan for you.

What Happens During the Medical?

Your asbestos medical involves a general health check and a lung function test. It will last around 45 minutes and can be conducted at our clinics or on-site. You will be expected to complete some questionnaires before the appointment including an employee health questionnaire.

If you come for a licensed medical, our reception team will ask you to read and sign a collection of legal forms to comply with asbestos control regulations. At non-licensed medicals, we only ask you to complete a consent form. 

After the medical, our physicians will sign a medical certificate as proof of the assessment that is valid for two years.

Our Occupational Health Team

Pricing

Why Choose Midland Health?

We understand that immediate medical attention and appointments are vital when your livelihood is on the line. That’s why we have zero waiting lists or will never ask for an NHS GP referral. You can simply book an asbestos medical appointment that fits your schedule; we can even conduct the medical on-site if required.

You benefit from: 

• Medical appointments within a matter of days
• Expert, experienced GPs
• No waiting lists or need for GP referrals
• Modern medical clinics with outstanding facilities
• Patient-focused care

Our Other Occupational Medicals

We offer a comprehensive range of occupational medicals to cater to any need. Whether you are an employer obligated to monitor your employee’s health or a self-employed contractor who needs to prove their fitness to secure clients, we can help.

Choose from:

• Occupational Health Medicals
• Pre-Employment Health Checks
• Employee Private GP
• Sick Certificates 
• Visa Medicals
• HGV Taxi Medicals