Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was widely used in the construction and manufacturing industries for its strength, insulation, and fire-resistant properties. It can be found in many older buildings in materials such as insulation, roofing, ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, and cement products.

While asbestos was once considered highly useful, it is now known to pose serious health risks. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibres can be released into the air and inhaled. Long-term or repeated exposure can cause severe respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Because of these dangers, asbestos is recognised as a major occupational health hazard, and strict UK regulations control its management, handling, and removal to protect workers and the public.

After the initial assessment, workers involved in asbestos-related tasks must undergo regular medical surveillance in line with HSE guidelines.

This ongoing monitoring helps track any changes in health caused by asbestos exposure, enabling early detection of potential issues.

Regular surveillance is a key part of occupational health management, ensuring timely intervention and support for employees.

SEQOHS stands for Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service — the gold standard in the UK for occupational health providers. This prestigious accreditation is overseen by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, and confirms that we meet rigorous standards across six domains:
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✔ Business probity
✔ Information governance
✔ People
✔ Facilities and equipment
✔ Relationships with purchasers
✔ Relationships with workers

By choosing Essential Medicals, a SEQOHS-accredited provider, you gain peace of mind that all our Fit to Work assessments, medical reports, and employee health checks are conducted to the highest standards ensuring legal compliance, safety, and workplace resilience.

We support a wide range of sectors, including:
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✔ Construction and trades
✔ Office-based businesses
✔ Healthcare and social care
✔ Transport and logistics
✔ Local authorities and SMEs

Whether you’re an HR manager, business owner, or site supervisor, we deliver scalable solutions with fast turnaround times from one-off cases to ongoing OH contracts.