Working at Height Medical
Legislation
The purpose of The Work at Height Regulations 2005 is to prevent death and injury caused by a fall from height.
Who Requires a Working at Height Medical?
This medical is for anyone that works above ground, for example:
- Abseilers
- Riggers
- Miners
- Rooftop workers
- Telecom engineers
The Regulations of 2005 state that all employees who work at height should undergo a medical assessment, in order to reduce the risk of falls and injury.
Dos and Don’ts
Do….
- as much work as possible from the ground
- ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height
- ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly
- take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces
- provide protection from falling objects
- consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures
Don’t…
- overload ladders – consider the equipment or materials workers are carrying before working at height. Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information
- overreach on ladders or stepladders
- rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces, eg glazing or plastic gutters
- use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks, only use them for light work of short duration (a maximum of 30 minutes at a time)
- let anyone who is not competent (who doesn’t have the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job) work at height
Source: United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
What is included in the medical?
The main assessments included are:
- General Health (Weight, Height, BMI, BP, Pulse, Urinalysis for Proteins & Sugars, Finger Prick test for Glucose and Cholesterol)
- Audiometry (Hearing test)
- Respiratory (Lung Function)
- Vision
- Musculoskeletal
- Previous Medical History Questionnaire