What You Need to Know
MedWise Mobile Medicals can carry out on-site medical assessments on FLT drivers.
The medical assessors are experienced specialist occupational health nurses.
The mobile medical unit has the capability for a comprehensive medical assessment including:
- Health History Questionnaire
- Vital Signs (blood pressure, pulse rate)
- Vision Test
- Hearing Check
- Lung Function Check
The medical results are reviewed by a specialist occupational health Physician
A one page certificate of medical fitness is issued to the employer
Should the review raise any medical questions impacting fitness for FLT operation, we will recommend a medical assessment with the MedWise OHP before making a fitness for driving FLT decision.
For FLT drivers the advice is: a medical every 5 years for those over 45 years and every year for those over 65 years.
However an employer can implement more frequent medicals depending on specific risk assessment
HSA Guidelines: Those selected to operate fork lift trucks should have the necessary level of physical and mental fitness and learning ability for the task. People with disabilities may well be able to work safely with lift trucks. In cases where a disability is potentially relevant to the safe operation of lift trucks employers should seek appropriate medical advice on a case by case basis.
Guidelines recommend that operators possess a standard of fitness equivalent to that required of an ordinary driving licence.
However, for more technical work, such as demanding environments, night driving or moving hazardous materials, it is suggested that lift truck drivers possess a level of fitness equivalent to that of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) licence holder.
While the HSE does not demand medical assessments to determine fitness to operate a fork lift, the new guidelines suggest that managers may wish to screen potential operators before placement. From there, employers could administer medical examinations according to the DVLA’s HGV licence requirements – every five years for operators over the age of 45, and every year for those over the age of 65.
As ever, medical advice should always be sought if there is any doubt as to a person’s physical or mental fitness to safely operate equipment.
