Working at Heights
Corporate Customers Only
A Working at Heights Medical is a health assessment designed to ensure that employees are fit to work safely at height. This medical identifies any health conditions or medications that may impact an employee’s ability to work at height, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. According to HSE regulations, working at height refers to any situation where a person could fall a distance that could result in injury if no precautions are taken. Examples include:
- Working on a ladder or flat roof
- Risk of falling through a fragile surface
- Risk of falling into an opening in the floor or ground
Further Information
This medical is essential for individuals whose roles involve working at height, including:
- Industrial abseilers, riggers, telecommunications engineers
- Scaffolders, crane operators, field service engineers
- Joiners, electricians, plumbers, construction operatives
- Alarm system technicians, mechanical engineers, and more
The assessment includes the following components:
- General Health Check: Height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, and pulse
- Urine Test: Screening for proteins, sugars, glucose, and blood
- Hearing Test (Audiometry): Evaluation of hearing ability
- Respiratory Function Test (Spirometry): Assessment of lung capacity and function
- Vision Test: Visual acuity, colour vision, and peripheral vision
- Musculoskeletal Examination: Assessment of mobility and physical function
- Medical History Review: Questionnaire covering medical history, mental health, and overall wellbeing
- Grip Strength Test: Measurement of hand and arm strength
- Fitness Test: Chester Step Test to evaluate cardiovascular fitness
- Drug & Alcohol Testing: Screening as required by company policy
- Mental Health Assessment: Evaluation of psychological well-being
- Consultation with an Occupational Health Nurse: Discussion of findings and recommendations
The appointment typically takes approximately 45 minutes.
- A Qualified Occupational Health Technician or Registered Occupational Health Nurse will conduct the assessment
- Results are interpreted by an HSE-approved Occupational Health Physician
- Employees receive a report summarising their results, and employers receive a “Fitness for Work” Certificate
- Certification is typically valid for a minimum of 1 year, depending on the employer’s medical testing criteria
- Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Eyewear, contact lens solution, and hearing aids (if applicable)
- A list of current medications and relevant medical records
- Comfortable clothing, activewear, and trainers
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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, with listed validation periods serving as general guidelines that may vary based on personal circumstances