The safety critical medical assessment could include:

- A face-to-face consultation with an occupational health nurse or technician, where you will be asked questions about your health, lifestyle and job.
- Baseline health check – weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, pulse
- Audiometry (hearing test)
- Spirometry (lung function test)
- Skin check
- Vision assessment
- Musculoskeletal assessment
- HAVS Tier 2 assessment (if the job includes vibrating tools)

Under current Health and Safety legislation, employers have a duty of care to safeguard the health and safety of their employees. This is particularly relevant to those carrying out safety-critical tasks. It is important that safety-critical workers are not suffering from medical conditions or undergoing any medical treatment which is likely to cause sudden loss of consciousness or incapacity, impairment of awareness, concentration, balance or coordination or significant limitation of mobility.

The term “safety critical worker” is defined as: Where the ill health of an individual may compromise their ability to undertake a task defined as safety critical, thereby posing a significant risk to the health and safety of others.” (CBH, 2015). This includes:

Plant operators
Scaffolder/rigger
Slinger/signaller/banksman/traffic marshal
Steel erector structural/fabricator
Specialist access workers
Steeplejack
Tunnel boring gangs
Roadside (high speed)
Tunnelling, confined space workers

A safety critical medical does not necessarily include a drugs screen, but it may be requested by the client as part of the medical. 

The certificate of fitness is valid for a set number of years depending on age group:

Under 54: Three years

55-65: Two years

65 plus: Annually

The doctor may need to see you earlier if there is an issue with your medical. We will tell you when this will be the case.

If an individual fails the safety critical medical examination, they may be deemed unfit to work in a safety-critical role. However, this will depend on the specific requirements of the job and the company’s policies. In some cases, the individual may be offered a different role that is more suitable for their health status.

Yes, as long as the examiner can deem you fit, we will provide you with the certificate at the end of your appointment to take away with you.

You will be asked to complete and sign a consent form prior to the medical this will include your permission to share any relevant information with other health professionals and your employer. 

£150