Hidden Cancer Risks in the Workplace, Why Health Surveillance Matters

Legal experts are sounding the alarm: workers exposed to wood dust may be up to 45 times more likely to develop a rare and aggressive form of sinonasal cancer.

At Kays Medical, we know that occupational health is more than compliance – it’s protection. Regular health surveillance can help detect early warning signs of workplace-related illnesses, including cancers linked to hazardous exposures like wood dust, formaldehyde, and solvents.

Industries at Risk Include:

• Sawmill and timber yard operations
• Furniture making and cabinetmaking
• Carpentry and joinery
• Boatbuilding and wood machining

These trades often involve long-term exposure to carcinogens in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Without proper monitoring, symptoms can go unnoticed leading to late-stage diagnoses and devastating outcomes.

The Legal and Ethical Imperative Under UK health and safety law, employers must assess and mitigate risks from hazardous substances. But beyond PPE and ventilation, occupational health surveillance is key. It not only protects employees, it can significantly reduce legal exposure and financial liability.

Symptoms of sinonasal cancer may include:

• Persistent nasal congestion or discharge
• Nosebleeds
• Facial pain or swelling
• Lumps in the neck or cheek
• Loss of smell or ear pressure

Early detection saves lives and costs.

At Kays Medical, our Occupational Health Services are designed to support at-risk industries with:

• Tailored health surveillance programmes
• Respiratory health assessments
• Mental and physical wellbeing support
• Legal compliance guidance