As part of Ahmarra’s ongoing Occupational Health Policy, OH4HO Limited (Occupational Health for Healthy Outcomes) undertook a programme of spirometric health surveillance for all employees involved in the manufacturing of doors.

“The continued good health of our staff is always a priority and we do everything possible to ensure that the materials we use do not have any negative impact on their health. We already take a number of protective measures to ensure this but this additional health test will provide extra reassurance to our employees.

A recent HSE report in Woodworking Health found that only 13% of manufacturers had a health surveillance programme in place, which highlights how poorly regulated this area is in the joinery industry. We hope that by highlighting this issue, more joinery manufucturers will follow our lead.” said Steve Oliver, General Manager of Ahmarra.

The lung function test was carried out on site by registered Occupational Health Advisor, Kirsten Shedden. Each test involved the attendee blowing as hard and fast as they could into the monitoring equipment. This assesses both the capacity of their lungs and how efficient their lungs are at expelling the air. A report was made categorising employee lung function and if any issues were found staff were given additional advice and referred to their G.P. where necessary. The results were then used by management to assist in determining whether existing control measures were adequate.

Lesley Marley, Managing Director of OH4HO, said “We are pleased to have been selected by Ahmarra to support their Occupational Health programme. We aim to identify and monitor health risks to employees that will help prevent work related ill health. ”.

Ahmarra is one of the UK’s leading architectural doorset manufacturers and installers across all sectors including commercial, hotel, health, education, airport and leisure. Ahmarra have worked with leading building contractors, architects and interior designers to complete a range of outstanding projects.