The questions we get asked most often.

Health Surveillance (sometimes called Health Monitoring) is a regular check designed to spot early changes in your health caused by exposure to certain workplace hazards. This can include:

• Asbestos
• Scheduled chemicals, including inorganic lead
• Any other hazardous chemical with a recognised test for exposure or health effects

By law, your employer must arrange Health Surveillance if all three of these apply:

• You use, handle, generate or store hazardous chemicals.
• The work is ongoing rather than a one-off.
• There is a real risk to your health from that exposure.

Most workers have a baseline assessment first (usually at pre-employment) so we know your starting point. After that, you are checked at regular intervals set by the supervising doctor — the frequency depends on the chemical and your level of exposure. An Exit Medical is also recommended when you stop working with the substance.

The law requires Health Surveillance to be carried out by, or under the supervision of, a registered medical practitioner with experience in health monitoring. KINNECT employs Occupational & Environmental Physicians and a team of Occupational Health Doctors who oversee every assessment. Meet our clinical team.

Each chemical has its own ideal testing window — give a sample at the wrong time and the result will not reflect your real exposure. We have a guide that lists the correct timing for each substance so you know exactly when to provide your sample. Read the biological exposure window guide.

You could see a KINNECT Doctor for one of our Occupational Medicine services, including:

• Independent Medical Examination (IME)
• Fitness for Duty assessment
• A general Occupational Medicine consultation

Find out more about our Occupational Medicine services.

Depending on your location, you will either see the KINNECT Doctor in person at one of our clinics, or via Telehealth. Your appointment letter will confirm where and how you will attend. Not sure? Check the Our Locations page or call us on 1300 546 632.

If you are referred to KINNECT for an Occupational Medicine service, you will see one of two types of doctor:

• An Occupational Physician (full name Occupational & Environmental Physician) — a consultant specialist who advises on how the work environment can affect employees' health, and how their health can affect their ability to work safely. They are experts in injury management and the health risks of common chemicals and hazardous substances. Occupational Physicians are qualified through the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
• A Senior Occupational Health Doctor — a doctor with considerable experience in Occupational Health, focused on helping people stay safe at work and recover from physical or psychological injury or illness. KINNECT's Occupational Health Doctors are all General Practitioners as a minimum, with many having completed additional training in Occupational Medicine. They are registered with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

Meet our clinical team.

Many of the workers we see aren't sure why they have been referred. Employers usually refer workers to us when they want an expert opinion on a person's health and work. Everyone's situation is different, but our Doctors often see workers who:

• Have been off work with an injury or illness for a considerable time
• Are experiencing a complex injury or illness, or set-backs in their recovery and return to work
• Are suspected to have, or are experiencing, a new medical issue and need guidance about how to keep working safely
• Have had an incident at work that has impacted their health and work

We think it is important you know why you have been referred before your appointment. If you are unsure, please ask your employer for as much detail as possible.

You should receive a letter from your employer confirming the time and location of your appointment. Our team will then contact you to complete a few forms — usually a consent form and a medical history questionnaire — before the day.

Complete your medical history questionnaire and any other paperwork using the link sent to you by email or SMS.

If you cannot complete it beforehand, you can use an iPad when you arrive at the clinic.

Yes. Eat normally and stay well hydrated, especially if your assessment includes a urine sample or fitness test.

Avoid caffeine for the few hours before your appointment. Coffee, tea and energy drinks can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, which may affect your results.

Yes. Take your usual medication as prescribed unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Bring the medication details listed in the What do I need to bring? section so we can record them accurately.

Unfortunately, no. The clinic environment is not safe for children, and we cannot supervise them while you are being assessed.

Please arrange care before your appointment. If a child arrives with you, your appointment cannot go ahead.

Bring these five essentials:

• Photo ID.
• A copy of any prescriptions you currently take.
• Details of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you have taken in the last 14 days, including its name, dose and when you last took it.
• Your glasses, if you wear them. If you cannot remove your contact lenses, bring saline and a contact lens case.
• Any medical clearance relating to surgery you have had in the last six months.