Independent Medical Assessment for Silica Exposure
Get in touchAt Independent Medical Assessment, we provide impartial evaluations for employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) .
Silica is present in materials such as sand, stone, brick, concrete, and clay. When cut, drilled, or ground, these materials release fine dust particles that can be inhaled into the lungs.
Long-term exposure to silica dust can cause serious and irreversible conditions, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002), employers must arrange health surveillance for at-risk workers. Independent medical assessments ensure unbiased reporting and fair decision-making for both employees and organisations.
Request a free consultation for a member of our team today for independent medical assessments.
Why Are Independent Medical Assessments Needed for Silica Exposure?
An independent medical assessment for silica provides an objective evaluation of whether an employee’s respiratory symptoms are linked to workplace exposure.
Silica dust is one of the most common causes of occupational lung disease in the UK.
This impartiality is especially valuable in legal disputes, compensation claims, or ill-health retirement applications.
It ensures decisions are based on medical evidence rather than workplace influence.
What Does a Silica Medical Assessment Involve?
The silica assessment begins with a review of the employee’s medical history and workplace exposure levels.
It may include respiratory questionnaires, lung function testing (spirometry), and a clinical chest examination.
If concerns are identified, the assessor may recommend referral for further tests, such as chest X-rays or specialist respiratory evaluation.
A clear, independent report is then issued, confirming fitness for silica-related duties.
Who Requires Independent Medical Assessments for Silica?
Silica medical assessments are needed for employees working in environments where silica dust exposure is a significant risk.
This includes construction workers, stone masons, quarry staff, tunnellers, foundry workers, and employees in ceramics and concrete manufacturing.
Independent assessments are often requested when impartial medical evidence is required for disputes, insurance claims, or legal cases.
We provide transparent and unbiased reporting for sensitive situations.
How Often Should Silica Medical Assessments Be Carried Out?
Routine silica surveillance is usually conducted annually, with more frequent reviews if early symptoms are detected.
Baseline assessments are essential before employees begin silica-related work, providing a reference for future comparisons.
Independent medical assessments for silica can be arranged as one-off evaluations in contested cases or as part of ongoing impartial surveillance.
This ensures fairness and compliance with COSHH.
What Are the Benefits of Independent Medical Assessments for Silica Exposure?
Independent medical assessments provide impartiality, compliance, and reassurance.
The key benefits include:
Ensure compliance with COSHH and UK safety law.
Provide unbiased evidence on whether health issues are work-related.
Detect early signs of silicosis and other lung conditions.
Support legal, insurance, and ill-health retirement cases.
Protect both employee well-being and employer liability.
How Much Do Independent Silica Medicals Cost?
The cost of independent silica assessments ranges from £100 to £300 per case.
The cost depends on the complexity of the case, the number of employees assessed, and whether additional tests are required.
Legal or insurance-related reports may cost more due to the need for detailed documentation.
We provide transparent, tailored quotes to ensure fairness for all parties.
Are Independent Silica Medical Assessments Confidential?
Confidentiality is guaranteed for all independent medical checks for silica exposure
Employers or insurers only receive outcome reports confirming whether the employee is fit, fit with restrictions, or unfit.
Detailed medical results remain private between the individual and the assessor.
This protects employee privacy while giving organisations the information they need to act responsibly.
What Symptoms Should Employees Monitor Between Assessments?
Employees exposed to silica should watch for early symptoms such as persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Fatigue and unexplained weight loss may also signal respiratory disease.
As silica-related illnesses like silicosis develop gradually, even mild symptoms should not be ignored.
Reporting early concerns allows prompt medical intervention and reduces long-term risks.
What Happens If an Employee Is Found Unfit for Silica Work?
If an independent silica assessment determines that a worker is unfit, they must be removed from further silica exposure.
The assessor may recommend redeployment, temporary adjustments, or referral for specialist treatment.
At Independent Medical Assessment, we ensure the employee’s health is safeguarded while helping the employer remain compliant with COSHH.
The independent report also provides impartial evidence for employment or insurance purposes.
What Records Must Employers Keep for Silica Medicals?
Employers must keep health records for all employees undergoing silica surveillance.
These records must include assessment dates, outcomes, and any restrictions or recommendations.
They must be retained for at least 40 years, since silica-related illnesses may take decades to appear.
Accurate records help demonstrate compliance and provide evidence in the event of claims or inspections.
Can Employees Refuse a Silica Medical Assessment?
Medical assessments require employee consent, but under COSHH, surveillance is mandatory in roles with significant silica exposure.
If a worker refuses, they may not be permitted to continue in high-risk duties.
Employers should explain that assessments are impartial, confidential, and designed to protect health.
This reassurance usually encourages cooperation and participation.
How Do Independent Medical Assessments Differ from Routine Surveillance?
Routine surveillance is arranged by employers as part of their COSHH obligations.
Independent medical assessments are conducted by impartial professionals who are not connected to the employer.
They are especially valuable in disputes, ill-health retirement applications, or insurance claims.
We ensure a fair, unbiased opinion that can be relied upon in sensitive cases for silica exposure.
Request a Free Quote for Independent Silica Medicals
At Independent Medical Assessment , we deliver impartial health evaluations for silica-exposed workers.
Our reports protect employee health, ensure compliance with COSHH, and provide reliable evidence in legal, insurance, or employment cases.
Contact Independent Medical Assessment today to arrange silica exposure assessments for your workforce.
Other Services We Offer
At Medical Surveillance, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include:
Independent Medical Assessment for Lead Exposure
Independent Medical Assessment for Skin Checks
Independent Medical Assessment for Asbestos
Independent Medical Assessment for Bakery Workers
Independent Medical Assessment for Benzene
Independent Medical Assessment for Radiation Workers
Independent Medical Assessment for Formaldehyde
Independent Medical Assessment for COSHH
Independent Medical Assessment for Dermatitis
Independent Medical Assessment for Mental Health