How an Exit Medical helped one employer close the loop on workplace health surveillance

Background

At David Barber (O.H.) Ltd, we believe that protecting employee health should extend throughout the entire employment lifecycle—from pre-employment screening through to the final day of employment.

One of our long-standing clients operates a comprehensive Occupational Health  Surveillance Programme for employees exposed to workplace hazards. Their workforce undergoes regular health surveillance to monitor for any early signs of work-related ill health and to ensure that control measures remain effective.

When one employee decided to leave the business to take up a role with another employer, the client wanted to ensure that their occupational health records were complete before the employee's departure.

To achieve this, they requested an Occupational Health Exit Medical.

The Challenge

Although the employee had attended regular annual health surveillance appointments, the employer recognised the value of carrying out a final medical assessment before employment ended.

An Exit Medical would:

• Provide a final assessment of the employee's health.
• Record their health status at the end of their employment.
• Complete their occupational health record.
• Demonstrate the employer's ongoing commitment to employee wellbeing.
• Support good clinical governance and record keeping.

This is often referred to as 'closing the loop' within an occupational health programme.

Our Solution

One of our experienced Occupational Health Clinicians carried out a confidential Exit Medical, reviewing:

• Previous health surveillance results.
• Occupational exposure history.
• Current health status.
• Any work-related symptoms or concerns.
• Whether there was any evidence of occupational ill health at the point employment ended.
• Whether any further medical advice or future health monitoring should be considered.

The assessment was completed sensitively and independently, providing reassurance to both the employee and employer.

The Outcome

The Exit Medical provided a clear clinical record of the employee's health at the conclusion of their employment.

For the employer, it completed the employee's occupational health journey, ensuring that comprehensive health records had been maintained from the start of employment through to their departure.

The assessment also demonstrated good occupational health practice by:

• Completing the employee's health surveillance record.
• Providing evidence that health monitoring had been maintained throughout employment.
• Supporting legal and clinical record keeping.
• Helping manage future occupational health queries should they arise.
• Reinforcing the organisation's commitment to employee health and wellbeing.

For the employee, the Exit Medical offered reassurance that their health had been reviewed before moving on to a new employer.

Why Are Exit Medicals Important?

Many employers invest in annual health surveillance but overlook the value of an Exit Medical.

Where employees have been exposed to workplace hazards—such as noise, vibration, hazardous substances, respiratory sensitisers or other occupational risks—an Exit Medical provides an important final health assessment.

Although Exit Medicals are not mandatory in every workplace, they are considered good occupational health practice because they:

• Complete the employee's health surveillance journey.
• Establish a final health baseline when employment ends.
• Help demonstrate that employers have fulfilled their duty of care.
• Support robust occupational health records.
• Provide reassurance for both employer and employee.
• Strengthen overall health surveillance programmes.

Supporting Employers Every Step of the Way

As a SEQOHS-accredited Occupational Health provider, David Barber (O.H.) Ltd supports employers across the UK with:

• Exit Medicals
• Health Surveillance
• Management Referrals
• Safety Critical Medicals
• New Starter Assessments
• Respiratory Health Surveillance
• Audiometry
• Spirometry
• HAVS Assessments
• Workplace Wellbeing Services

Our experienced clinical team provides practical, evidence-based advice to help organisations meet their legal responsibilities while promoting healthier workplaces.

Whether you already have an established health surveillance programme or are looking to introduce Exit Medicals into your Occupational Health provision, we would be delighted to help.

If you would like to find out more about our Exit Medical service, please contact our team to discuss your requirements.