Spirometry: A proactive approach to employee lung health

In November 2024, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released a paper exposing the worrying scale of work-related lung disease in the UK. The ‘Occupational Lung Disease Statistics in Great Britain, 2024’ report revealed an estimated 20,000 new cases of ‘breathing and lung problems each year where individuals regarded their condition as being caused or made worse by work’. 

Lung health is a foundational aspect of overall wellbeing. Working in environments with exposure to hazards such as dusts, fumes, and gases can cause a range of health issues, with occupational asthma accounting for around 17% of all cases of asthma in adults, according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). Inhalation of airborne pollutants also contributes to illnesses such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), silicosis, and respiratory cancers. 

It’s no wonder that safeguarding staff respiratory health has become a critical focus area for the HSE. The Opus Safety blog regularly tracks prosecutions linked to wood, MDF, and construction dust exposure, with companies receiving significant fines for failing to implement suitable prevention plans. 

Visibility is a key issue. Even among organisations with robust compliance programmes, efforts generally focus on more apparent health and safety risks such as workplace transport, manual handling, and falls from height. 

Relatedly, preventing respiratory issues demands a long-term commitment, necessitating ongoing monitoring measures to detect and control conditions that develop over decades. With the exception of more readily identifiable illnesses like occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, life-threatening lung diseases such as COPD and mesothelioma often come to light many years after workplace exposure. 

A front-footed approach to tracking and tackling lung ill health can save lives and prevent the steep financial penalties associated with non-compliance, regulatory breaches, and legal action. For many businesses, spirometry should be an essential element of their health and safety programme – and a crucial tool for protecting employees and promoting lung health in the workplace.

Protecting lung health. Ensuring compliance   

Spirometry testing involves measuring an individual's lung capacity and air flow, which are both crucial indicators for lung function levels. A programme of regular checks – usually on an annual basis – helps maintain a safe and efficient workplace, delivering actionable information about workers’ health and the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

The process typically involves a qualified clinician visiting your workplace to conduct simple, non-invasive onsite screening. Tests are speedy and user-friendly, with workers simply exhaling quickly and forcefully into a spirometer as it records measurements including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Following the test, employers receive a report detailing potential risk factors and trends, along with expert recommendations from an occupational health specialist.

Regular screening builds a reliable picture of lung health across your workforce, highlighting irregularities and the early signs of serious respiratory conditions. Spirometry testing can help to:

• Monitor workers' lung health, identifying employees at risk of exposure-related illnesses.
• Refine work processes, improve PPE provision, and implement targeted control measures to minimise exposure and enhance staff wellbeing.
• Collect baseline data to track changes over time, pinpoint declining lung function, and enable early intervention.
• Ensure continuous COSHH compliance, showcasing a strong commitment to workforce health and safety.

Spirometry also empowers workers to safeguard their wellbeing, providing individual insights into lung function and overall respiratory capacity. Staff gain a better understanding of personal health risks, helping them take proactive steps to protect themselves, collaborate with employers to create a safety-focused culture, and follow medical advice to ensure a healthy and sustainable work life.

At the same time, spirometry testing facilitates full legal compliance, as many health and safety laws require regular respiratory assessments. Conducting these tests in line with regulatory guidelines ensures transparency, reduces absenteeism, and reinforces your company’s commitment to employee health and wellbeing.

Questions about spirometry? Speak to the Opus Safety team 

For helpful guidance on protecting your team from workplace exposure risks and implementing an effective spirometry programme, speak to an experienced Opus Safety consultant. 

You can reach us on 0330 043 4015 or hello@opus-safety.co.uk.