Workplace Spirometry (Lung Function) Testing

About Workplace Lung Function Testing

Bodycare provides workplace lung function testing as part of our health surveillance programs to keep your employees healthy and safe.

Lung function testing, also known as spirometry, can identify any abnormalities in lung function early before they become more severe and potentially irreversible. It can also assist employers in identifying any potential workplace hazards that could affect their employees’ respiratory health.

During a 40-hour work week, a worker’s respiratory tract can be exposed to around 14,000 litres of air. When workers engage in physical activity, their breathing rate increases. If your employees are exposed to poor-quality air or irritants, it can impact lung health in the longer term. In many industries, workplace lung function testing has become essential.

Our Spirometry Services

At Bodycare, we understand the importance of maintaining your employees’ respiratory health. That’s why we provide on-site spirometry testing to help you protect your employees’ lung health. Our qualified healthcare professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to perform quick and non-invasive lung function tests that comply with the latest health, safety and environment (HSE) guidelines.

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Why is lung function screening beneficial?

Lung function screening provides valuable information for assessing and mitigating health and safety risks in the workplace. The tests are quick, non-invasive, and performed on-site, which will minimise disruption to business operations.

In return, spirometry testing can improve your employee health outcomes and business outcomes in the long term. For example, lung function testing can:

Identify potential workplace hazards that are affecting employees’ respiratory health
Monitor the effectiveness of measures put in place to improve air quality in the workplace, such as ventilation systems and personal protective equipment
Reduce absenteeism and lost productivity due to respiratory illnesses and related conditions
Assist with compliance with health and safety regulations and avoidance of potential legal liabilities
Promote a safe and healthy work environment for employees, which can improve morale and job satisfaction
Supports employers in their duty of care to employees and their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment
Provides reassurance to employees that their employer is taking their health and safety seriously, which can improve employee retention and recruitment efforts.

What is included in lung function testing through Bodycare?

Our lung function testing service is designed to be comprehensive and efficient, providing valuable information for employers and employees alike. Our testing process includes measuring three key parameters:

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1)

The FVC measurement assesses the total amount of air that can be exhaled forcibly from the lungs after taking a deep breath. The FEV1 measurement tests the amount of air that one can exhale in the first second of the FVC test. Finally, the PEF measurement assesses the maximum speed at which one can exhale air.

Each employee tested will receive a results booklet outlining their lung function test results, including predicted values and any issues detected.

Employers will also receive a comprehensive corporate report if 15 or more employees are tested, which provides an overview of the lung function test results and identifies any potential workplace hazards that could affect employee respiratory health.

If any employees are identified as having abnormal lung function test results, we will provide referrals for their GPs if required. With their consent, we will also follow up with them to ensure they receive appropriate medical care.

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Workplace Spirometry FAQs

The lung function assessment only takes a few minutes. However, to ensure that we get a complete picture of the employee’s respiratory health, we also need to obtain a respiratory history. This process involves asking questions about the employee’s medical history, any previous respiratory problems, and any current symptoms they may be experiencing.

The entire procedure generally lasts around 10-15 minutes.
For baseline testing, we recommend performing spirometry testing within three months of an employee commencing employment. This provides a starting point for their lung function, allowing for future comparisons to identify any potential changes.

After baseline testing, we recommend performing spirometry testing on an annual basis. This helps to identify any changes in lung function that may have occurred over the year.

However, testing may be performed more frequently if indicated by previous respiratory disorders or if an employee is exposed to workplace hazards that could impact their respiratory health.
Lung function testing will be performed by our team of qualified exercise physiologists or occupational health specialists who are highly trained and experienced in conducting workplace spirometry using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.

Our team is also skilled in communicating with employees to ensure they understand the testing process and are comfortable throughout the assessment. We operate with expertise, but also care and compassion.
- Asthma – a chronic respiratory condition that can cause airway inflammation, narrowing, and obstruction
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a group of progressive lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which can cause breathing difficulties
- Pulmonary fibrosis – a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, leading to breathing difficulties
- Allergies – can cause inflammation in the airways, leading to breathing difficulties
- Respiratory infections – such as pneumonia

What industries most commonly use lung function testing at workplaces?

Lung function testing is beneficial for any workplace where employees are exposed to respiratory hazards, irritants, or poor air quality. Some industries where lung function testing is commonly used include:

Manufacturing

Workers in this industry may be exposed to dust, fumes, and other respiratory hazards that can impact lung health.

Construction

Construction workers may be exposed to dust, fumes, and other airborne particles that can negatively affect lung function.

Mining

Miners may be exposed to dust, silica, and other hazardous substances that can degenerate lung health.

Agriculture

Workers in agricultural industries may be exposed to dust, pesticides, and other respiratory hazards that can impact lung function.

Healthcare

Healthcare workers may be exposed to infectious respiratory diseases or airborne particles from medical procedures that can affect lung health.

Transportation

Workers in transportation industries may be exposed to diesel fumes or other respiratory hazards while driving or working with vehicles.

Why choose Bodycare?

Choosing Bodycare for your workplace spirometry testing needs offers a range of benefits that can help ensure the health and safety of your employees. Some of the key reasons to choose Bodycare for your lung function testing include:

Experienced team of occupational health professionals.

Experience in conducting lung function testing and can provide expert guidance and support to help you protect the respiratory health of your employees.

Clinical governance framework.

Our testing protocols and procedures are based on a robust clinical governance framework that ensures the quality and accuracy of our testing.

Quality control checks and balances.

We have a range of quality control measures to ensure that our testing results are accurate and reliable. This includes regular calibration of our testing equipment and ongoing training for our staff.