Safety Critical Medical
This is a medical assessment for workers in high-risk jobs, where medical issues could pose a danger to themselves or others. Safety medicals generally use the D4 form, designed for drivers of HGVs and buses. It can be downloaded below.
A safety-critical medical is a health assessment for workers in high-risk jobs where medical issues could pose a danger to themselves or others. These are common in industries like construction, transport, rail, aviation, and offshore work.
A safety-critical medical includes:
General health check
Vision and hearing tests
Cardiovascular screening (blood pressure, heart health)
Respiratory function test (for workers exposed to dust/fumes)
Musculoskeletal assessment (for physically demanding roles)
Mental health evaluation
Workers in roles such as crane operators, plant machinery operators, HGV drivers, and railway workers may require regular occupational health checks to maintain fitness. Network Rail mandates PTS (Personal Track Safety) medicals for rail workers, while offshore workers need OGUK medicals.
While there is no single DVLA form for safety-critical medicals, employers typically require a certificate of fitness issued by an occupational health doctor. Regular reassessments ensure that workers remain fit for their job, especially if they have long-term health conditions.