Working at height medical assessments for exposed employees.
A working at height medical assessment helps employers determine an employee’s medical suitability before assigning duties on roofs, elevated platforms or other height-related environments. A medical event that could be managed safely at ground level may place an employee at serious risk when working at height.
The assessment considers health factors that could affect an employee’s ability to work safely in an elevated environment, including medical conditions affecting balance, mobility, vision or consciousness.
Fitness based on the height-related task.
The assessment should take account of the work being performed, the physical demands involved and the employee’s possible exposure to fall risk. The medical requirements should therefore relate to the actual role and site conditions.
A working-at-heights medical may include:
- Medical and occupational history
- Physical examination
- Vision screening
- Mobility and coordination assessment
- Basic health measurements
- Additional testing relevant to the role
The occupational health practitioner considers the results in relation to the employee’s duties. Where a concern is identified, the employee may require further assessment before a medical fitness outcome can be issued.
Working at Heights medicals assessments.
Under South Africa’s Construction Regulations, a medical certificate of fitness must be specific to the construction work the employee will perform. The Annexure 3 certificate records the employee’s occupation and possible workplace exposures, which may include fall risk.
Clinic and on-site options allow construction and industrial employers to coordinate medicals before employees begin height-related duties, ensuring that each employee completes an appropriate working at height medical assessment.