Safety Critical Medical (SCM)
A Safety Critical Medical (SCM) is a specialised health assessment designed to ensure that employees performing tasks with potential safety risks are medically fit to do so. Safety-critical work is defined as any task where an individual’s ill health could compromise their ability to perform safely, posing a significant risk to themselves and others. Employers have a legal duty of care to safeguard the health and well-being of their workers, including those in safety-critical roles. Our experienced team follows HSE guidance, ensuring that assessments meet industry standards and support both employees and employers.
Further Information
This medical assessment is essential for individuals performing safety-critical tasks, including:
- Construction Workers: Working at height or in hazardous environments
- Mobile Plant Operators: Operating forklifts (FLTs), excavators, cranes, and other heavy machinery
- Mechanical Handling Equipment Operators: Using tippers and industrial scales
- Commercial Drivers: Driving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and passenger-carrying vehicles (PCVs)
The specific tests performed depend on company criteria and the employee’s role. The assessment typically includes:
- Baseline Questionnaire: Review of current and past medical history, including ongoing treatments
- Blood Pressure Check: Cardiovascular health assessment
- Height, Weight, and BMI: General health indicators
- Audiometry: Hearing tests to assess hearing ability
- Lung Function Test: Assessment of respiratory health
- Skin Assessment: Identification of skin conditions related to occupational hazards
- HAVS Assessment: Screening for hand-arm vibration syndrome (if required)
- Visual Assessment: Testing visual acuity, colour vision, and peripheral vision
- Musculoskeletal Assessment: Evaluation of physical function and joint mobility
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Screening for substances that could impair performance
- Chester Step Test: Cardiovascular fitness test (if required)
The appointment typically takes approximately 45 minutes.
- A qualified Occupational Health Technician or Registered Occupational Health Nurse will conduct the assessment.
- Depending on company requirements, a consultation with an Occupational Health Physician may be necessary.
- The outcome of the SCM is a “Fitness for Work” Certificate issued to both the employee and employer.
- Certificates are typically valid for 1 to 3 years, but the HSE recommends annual assessments depending on the role.
- Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Eyewear and contact lens solution (if applicable)
- Hearing aids (if applicable)
- A list of current medications
- Relevant medical records related to any existing conditions
Comfortable clothing, activewear, and trainers
A new project arrived and I was asked to start a new position in only a weeks’ time. As exciting as this was, the job required me to take a Chester Step Test Assessment before I started. This left me only 2 days where I could be free for the medical, as well as sorting out a ton of paperwork, accommodation, car hire etc, you could say I was beyond stressed.
Someone told me about Pathways Occupational Health. I called them straight away and they understood my situation completely. They moved their staff breaks around so they could fit me in that same day. They told me over the phone, exactly what to bring and what to wear.
The place was easy to find, just off the A66. When I arrived I was given a private room to change in. They were super friendly, polite and professional and really made me feel at ease. It was over in no time, and I was over the moon that I’d ticked a box off my list so quickly.
To sum it up, they were understanding, welcoming, professional, uncomplicated and painless.
Highly recommend!
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- Failure to disclose symptoms or concerns may prevent the occupational health professional from fully assessing your fitness for work, delaying necessary interventions.
- If you wish to bring a chaperone, please notify us in advance.
- Certificate validation depends on individual medical results and employer-specific criteria. The validation periods listed are general guidelines that may vary based on personal circumstances.