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Health surveillance for safety-critical roles

If you work in a safety-critical role, you must complete a health questionnaire and attend a health check every three years. If you are over 55, you’ll need a check every year.

This is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Some checks also follow national medical standards, such as those set by the DVLA for driving. These rules are in place to protect you, your colleagues, and the public.

Types of checks

The type of checks you’ll have depends on a risk assessment. They may include:

  • General health questions
  • Hearing test
  • Vision test
  • Lung function test
  • Hand–arm vibration (HAVS) assessment

For more information, read health surveillance guidance (DOC 3MB) - SharePoint

How the checks are organised

You’ll be contacted by the Occupational Health team with your appointment details and a health questionnaire to complete. It is important you attend, as Occupational Health can only confirm you are “fit” to do your job if you complete the process.

Unfortunately the appointment cannot go ahead if the questionnaires have not been received.