Q: What is a safety critical medical?

A Safety Critical Medical 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.” Employers have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees. When they are performing safety critical tasks, this is even more important. We understand that it can often be challenging to get workers quickly assessed for safety critical work. At Occupational Health Consultancy we strive to make the process as simple and efficient as we can for you.

Q: How do I know if I need a Safety Critical Medical?

Your employer should undertake a risk assessment of all activity to determine whether it is safety critical in nature and whether, in the event of a worker’s incapacity, it would likely result in a significant risk of harm to the individual worker performing the task or to others.

Q: Why do I need a Safety Critical Medical?

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 for your own safety and that of others.

Q: Who needs a safety critical medical at work?

Plant Operators Scaffolder/Rigger Slinger/Signaller/Banksman/Traffic Marshall Steel Erector Structural/Fabricator Steeplejack Tunnel Boring Gangs Roadside (high speed) Tunnelling Confined Space workers Working at Height

Q: How long will the safety-critical medical take?

The medical will take an hour normally but may take longer if there are other tests required for your job roles, such as Drugs and Alcohol or Health Surveillance.

Q: What should employees bring with them?

- Photo ID (Work ID, drivers licence or passport) - A list of current medication - Details of any ongoing medical conditions - Prescription glasses

Q: How long is a safety critical medical valid for?

Aged 54 and under: 3 years Aged 55 – 65 years: 2 years Aged 65 and over: 1 year This may change depending on the Risks of your job role.

Q: How to book an appointment for a member of staff

Please call us on 02380 475000 or complete our contact form.

Question 1

What is presenteeism?

Accepted Answer

Presenteeism means reduced productivity when employees come to work and are not fully engaged or perform at lower levels as a result of ill health. Some employees feel the need to continue working despite their sickness. Presenteeism is the exact opposite of absenteeism at work.

Question 2

Why should you manage it?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that presenteeism is hugely costly to employers, but all too often ignored. 

Managing it well not only saves money in both the short and longer-term but also contributes to the development of an engaged and productive workforce.

Presenteeism can lead to increases in mental health conditions, such as workplace stress and burnout. Both of which, can significantly impact your business due to reduced productivity and engagement. It can also lead to poor employee retention.

Workplace culture has a strong influence on the health and well-being of employees. All employees should be treated fairly, and Managers should understand how to deal with all issues that occur and follow the Company process.

Question 3

How do you know if you have presenteeism?

Accepted Answer

- Employees arriving late or leaving early. 
- Employees missing lunch breaks or appearing to work long hours.
- Employees working whilst sick or on holiday.
- Employees looking more tired than usual.
- Setting unreasonable workloads and deadlines.

Question 4

Here are a few tips that may help reduce it, but it isn’t as straightforward as you think!

Accepted Answer

- Training and Development
- Employee Engagement
- Company Culture – open communication.
- Promote wellness. Discourage employees from working whilst unwell. Manage absences appropriately.
- Adopt a presenteeism-free culture. Possibly create a presenteeism policy.
- Encourage open communication.
- Conduct regular staff surveys.
- Review sickness absence policies.
- Lead by example.
- Ensure employees take their holiday.
- Ensure employees do not work excessive amounts of overtime.
- With adequate workplace support from Line Managers, HR and Occupational Health, presenteeism levels will start to decline.

Safety Critical Medicals

What is a safety critical medical?

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How do I know if I need a Safety Critical Medical?

Why do I need a Safety Critical Medical?

Who needs a safety critical medical at work?

How long will the safety-critical medical take?

What should employees bring with them?

How long is a safety critical medical valid for?

How to book an appointment for a member of staff

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