Occupational Health in Surfacing and Resin

Why Occupational Health is Required in Surfacing

The dual nature of the surfacing industry creates a challenging risk profile. Traditional surfacing, involving hot-laid asphalt and macadam, exposes workers to bitumen fumes, which are classified as a potential carcinogen, and to intense heat, which can lead to burns. The cutting or breaking of hardened asphalt, concrete, or paving stones releases respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, a significant cause of the severe, irreversible lung disease silicosis.

Resin bound and bonded systems, conversely, involve working with epoxy or polyurethane resins and their hardeners. These chemical components are potent skin and respiratory sensitisers, meaning repeated exposure can lead to severe, chronic conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis and occupational asthma.

Across both fields, common physical risks abound: high levels of noise from mixers, cutters, and vibratory plate compactors causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and the repetitive, forceful movements of raking, floating, and manual mixing leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Specific Roles Requiring Health Surveillance

Due to the severity of these exposures, many roles within the surfacing industry require statutory health surveillance as determined by a rigorous COSHH assessment. 

• Asphalt layers and shuttering workers are exposed to hot bitumen fumes, heat, and heavy lifting.
• Groundworkers and cutters who use powered tools to saw concrete, block paving, or hardened asphalt are at high risk of RCS exposure and HAVS.
• Resin installers and mixers who handle the two-part chemical resin system are primary candidates for skin surveillance to detect early signs of allergic dermatitis and spirometry to monitor for respiratory irritation and sensitisation from chemical vapours and fine dust from kiln-dried aggregates.
• Plant and roller operators similarly require regular checks for NIHL and HAVS exposure from operating vibratory equipment.

LATUS Group Occupational Health Services

LATUS Group provides essential, bespoke occupational health services to manage the specific risks faced by the surfacing and resin industries.

Our service begins with chemical and skin surveillance programmes, including detailed skin checks and questionnaires for all resin-exposed staff, to prevent chemical sensitisation from polyurethane and epoxy products.

For those working with hot mix and cutting hardened materials, we provide respiratory health surveillance, including spirometry, to monitor for the effects of RCS and dust exposure.

Crucially, we offer hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) Surveillance in line with legal requirements for all operatives using high-vibration tools like whacker plates and cut-off saws, alongside audiometry to protect against NIHL.

Our fitness for work assessments also specifically address the heavy physical demands and heat stress associated with asphalt laying, ensuring compliance, reducing chronic illness, and promoting a stable, healthy workforce.

Mobile Medical Units – Delivering Medicals Directly On-Site

We understand that removing your essential workers from site for medicals is costly and inefficient. We offer a flexible, mobile, and compliance-driven solution designed for the operational demands of the surfacing and resin sector.

Our unique advantage is our mobile medical units. These fully equipped units travel directly to your facility, minimising disruption to your daily operations and saving you time and money.

We manage your end-to-end compliance, from the initial pre-placement screening through to required exit medicals, providing a clear audit trail that protects your business from future health claims. Our clinical team are experts in the specific assessments required for your industry, giving you confidence in the fitness of your safety-critical workforce.