The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires both independent and salaried safety-critical workers to be assessed and certified by a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Occupational Health).
£100 (payable upon booking).
What does a safety critical medical involve?
When undertaking safety critical work an adverse event such as collapsing on the job, could result in serious harm to not only the worker but to others as well.
The purpose of a safety-critical medical is to identify the risk or likelihood of such an event occurring whilst undertaking such work, and there are certain tests that can screen for this.
Eyesight
Eyesight is tested to ensure that the person can see near and distant objects clearly, as well as seeing the normal visual field (peripheral vision), and takes 15-20 minutes.
Hearing
Hearing is tested at a range of frequencies using an audiometer. The test takes 15 – 30 minutes. Alternatively, the examiner can do a Forced Whisper test to check they can be heard. The purpose of this is to ensure the person can hear safety warnings, for example.
Respiratory / Lung function (spirometry)
Lung function is checked to ensure the person has enough ‘puff’ to undertake the role safely, for example, if the job includes climbing up into a cab, or if the person needed to escape in an emergency. This test typically involves blowing into a spirometer which measures lung function. This can detect asthma and other lung diseases.
Blood pressure assessment
Blood pressure is manually checked to ensure that it is not excessively high, in which case there could be an increased risk of incapacitation.
Urine analysis
Urine is tested for the presence of glucose (diabetes), blood and protein. The sample of urine is collected in a pot and tested with standard ‘testing strips’ that are dipped into the urine and the change of colour indicates the result.
Musculoskeletal fitness
The person will be asked questions about any aches or pains they have. A check of general physical function may be carried out to ensure normal balance, adequate movement of the spine and limbs, normal sensation, and adequate strength and coordination.
