At Safety Critical Medicals, we deliver HSE-compliant medical assessments for workers across the UK who are engaged in high-risk roles where physical or mental health directly affects site safety.

Whether you’re managing construction operatives, plant machinery drivers, or rail maintenance crews, our service ensures your workforce is medically fit to work in safety-critical environments.

We offer flexible options including clinic-based appointments and mobile on-site testing to help businesses meet their duty of care and avoid operational disruption.

Why Are Safety-Critical Medicals Required for Workforces?

Employers must arrange safety-critical medicals under health and safety legislation, particularly within industries like construction, highways, rail, and heavy engineering.

These assessments are not just best practice—they’re often mandated by law, CDM regulations, or specific sector guidance. The goal is to prevent incidents by identifying conditions that could affect vision, balance, awareness, or reaction times before they lead to accidents.

What’s Included in a Safety-Critical Medical Conducted?

A standard safety-critical medical typically includes:

• Medical history review – Assessment of current and past health conditions relevant to the role.
• Musculoskeletal assessment – Evaluation of joint mobility, posture, and physical function.
• Hearing check (audiometry) – Testing for safe hearing levels in noisy environments.
• Vision test – Screening for visual acuity and colour recognition.
• Blood pressure testing – Monitoring cardiovascular health and identifying potential risk.
• BMI measurement – Recording height and weight to assess general health status.
• Urine analysis – Screening for underlying health issues such as diabetes or kidney concerns.
• Mental health screening – Ensuring psychological wellbeing for high-risk or isolated roles.
• Lung function testing (spirometry) – Included where respiratory fitness is relevant.
• Drug and alcohol screening – Performed if required by the employer or specific safety standards.
• Fit-for-work determination – Issued upon completion, noting any restrictions or follow-up requirements.

How Much Do Safety-Critical Medical Examinations Cost?

The cost of safety-critical medical ranges from £95 to £150 per person.

The price depends on the location, provider, and whether additional tests like drug and alcohol screening are required.

Costs are primarily influenced by the number of workers assessed, whether services are delivered on-site or at a clinic, and any bundled requirements such as PTS or confined space clearance.

Contact Safety Critical Medicals to get customised pricing for assessing your workforce.

Can On-Site Safety Critical Medicals Be Arranged for Projects

We provide fully equipped mobile medical units that deliver on-site safety-critical assessments, which allows large projects or busy teams to receive compliant health checks without the need to leave the site or disrupt shift patterns.

Our mobile teams work to strict confidentiality standards and can carry out assessments in designated welfare units or cabins if space allows. On-site services are particularly beneficial for infrastructure, utilities, and construction clients managing multiple operatives in high-risk environments.

How Often Should Workers Undergo Safety-Critical Health Checks?

Most workers should undergo a safety-critical medical every 1 to 3 years, depending on job role, company policy, and medical history. High-risk roles or employees with identified health conditions may require more frequent monitoring or annual reviews.

New starters in safety-critical positions must be assessed before beginning work, and return-to-work assessments are required following sickness absence, injury, or changes in health status.

What Standards Must Providers Follow for Safety Medical Compliance?

Safety-critical medicals must be delivered in accordance with Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) and Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) guidance.

Providers must use qualified occupational health professionals and ensure confidentiality, accurate recordkeeping, and impartial fitness decisions. All equipment used for medical checks must be calibrated and suitable for workplace screening.

Are Fit-to-Work Certificates Issued After Passing a Safety-Critical Exam?

Once the safety-critical medical assessment is completed and no medical restrictions are identified, a Fit-to-Work certificate or Fitness for Safety Critical Duties report is issued immediately or within 24 hours.

This certificate confirms the individual has been medically assessed and is cleared to undertake safety-critical activities. For employees with minor restrictions or conditions, the certificate may include specific guidance or review timelines.

Which Job Roles Legally Require a Safety-Critical Medical?

Job roles that typically require a safety-critical medical include:

• Crane operators – Operating heavy lifting equipment in dynamic environments.
• Plant and machine drivers – Controlling large or hazardous machinery on construction or industrial sites.
• Scaffolders – Working at height on temporary platforms and structures.
• Slinger/signallers – Guiding crane movements and managing lifting operations.
• Steel erectors – Assembling structural frameworks in elevated or exposed conditions.
• Road workers – Operating near live traffic and using vibration-intensive tools.
• Working-at-height operatives – Performing tasks on ladders, scaffolds, or elevated platforms.
• Confined space entrants – Entering tanks, tunnels, or other enclosed workspaces.
• Trackside workers – Operating in rail environments with moving trains and electrical hazards.
• Telehandler drivers – Handling loads with telescopic handlers in tight or active work zones.
• Tunnel operatives – Working underground in enclosed, high-risk infrastructure projects.

How Do Safety-Critical Medicals Protect Employers and Staff Operating?

Safety-critical medicals help reduce the risk of workplace incidents, claims, and regulatory breaches by ensuring that only fit, capable individuals are assigned to high-risk duties.

Employers benefit from better compliance with CDM and health and safety law and improved workforce wellbeing. Employees also gain confidence that their health is being monitored and supported—especially when working in challenging environments where fatigue, stress, or underlying conditions could increase risk.

Contact Safety Critical Medicals for a consultation on compliance and safety standards for safety critical medicals.

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