Garage Health Surveillance Requirements

Staff exposed to noise, vibration, dust or fumes from welding, spraying or workshop chemicals may need health surveillance to detect early signs of ill health.

Why this requirement may appear

Garages carrying out welding, spraying or using workshop chemicals may have staff exposed to identifiable health risks that require monitoring.

What to do

Legal requirement: Under COSHH and related regulations, employers must provide health surveillance where staff are exposed to certain hazards and a health risk is identified.

Good practice: Involve an occupational health provider to determine which staff need surveillance and how often.

Motor Trade Ready suggests: Keep a simple log of which staff are enrolled in health surveillance and when their next check is due.

Evidence to retain

Health surveillance records (kept confidentially), occupational health provider reports, and dates of the next review.

Keep this evidence organised

Motor Trade Ready can help you record the relevant date and keep supporting evidence alongside the rest of your garage compliance records.

Typical review timing

Typically annually, though this depends on the specific hazard and provider recommendation.

Practical next steps

If health surveillance is not yet arranged, contact an occupational health provider to assess which roles require it.

When specialist help may be appropriate

An occupational health provider can advise on and deliver the required surveillance programme.

Put this into practice

Official guidance and references

This guidance provides general information for UK garages and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements can vary by premises, activity and local authority — check current official guidance or seek professional advice for your specific circumstances.

Free Garage Compliance Health Check

Find out which compliance areas may apply to your workshop and create a practical roadmap of records, dates and actions to review.