Working at height is one of the highest-risk activities in the workplace, and ensuring your employees are medically fit for such tasks is a legal and moral responsibility.
At Pathways Occupational Health, we offer detailed Working at Height Medicals to reduce risk, prevent injury, and ensure compliance with Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidance.
What Is a “Working at Height Medical”?
A Working at Height Medical is a specialist health assessment designed to identify any physical, medical, or psychological conditions that could compromise an employee’s ability to work safely at height.
Under HSE regulations, working at height includes any activity where a person could fall from a height that could cause injury, including:
- Working on ladders, scaffolds, or flat roofs
- Working near unguarded edges or fragile surfaces
- Working near floor or ground-level openings
Who Needs This Medical?
Our Working at Height assessments are suitable for all roles where fall risk is present, including:
- Scaffolders, riggers, crane operators
- Industrial abseilers and telecommunications engineers
- Electricians, plumbers, joiners, and construction workers
- Field service engineers, mechanical engineers, and alarm technicians
- And more
Whether you’re employing new starters or re-certifying existing staff, we help ensure your team is medically safe and legally fit for their roles.
What’s Included in the Assessment?
Each appointment lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes a full assessment by a Qualified Occupational Health Technician or Nurse, with all results reviewed and signed off by an HSE-approved Occupational Health Physician.
Components include:
- General Health Check: Height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, and pulse
- Urine Test: Screening for glucose, proteins, and blood
- Audiometry: Hearing test to assess auditory function
- Spirometry: Lung function and capacity testing
- Vision Assessment: Checks for colour vision, visual acuity, and peripheral awareness
- Musculoskeletal Examination: Mobility, strength, and physical capability
- Grip Strength Test: Measures arm and hand function
- Cardiovascular Fitness Test: Chester Step Test
- Mental Health Assessment: Review of psychological well-being
- Medical History Review: Including current medications and relevant past conditions
- Drug & Alcohol Testing: If required by your company policy
- Nurse Consultation: Final discussion of findings and any necessary follow-ups
What You Need to Bring
To ensure a smooth appointment, employees should bring:
- Valid Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Any eyewear, contact lenses, or hearing aids,, if used
- A list of current medications or medical records, where applicable
What You’ll Receive
- A comprehensive employee health report
- A “Fitness for Work” certificate for the employer
- Certification is typically valid for 12 months, depending on your company’s requirements.
Why Pathways?
Established in 2011, Pathways Occupational Health was founded by a leader with nearly 50 years of hands-on occupational health experience in demanding sectors like British Steel.
Our commitment to protecting people is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why our team includes:
- HSE-approved occupational health physicians
- Qualified nurses and technicians
- Specialist partners, including a UKCP-registered Senior Psychotherapist, Chartered Physiotherapist, Cardiologist, and Radiologist
We provide a full range of statutory and custom medicals, including:
- Asbestos, Ionising Radiation, Lead, HGV, Forklift, and COSHH assessments
- Confined Space and Bespoke medicals tailored to your workplace
Book a Working at Height Medical
Protect your workforce and meet your legal obligations with expert medical assessments from Pathways Occupational Health. Whether you’re booking for one person or your entire team, we’re here to make the process smooth, professional, and efficient.
Get in touch with Pathways today to book or enquire about Working at Height Medicals for yourself or your workforce.
Prioritise safety. Stay compliant. Choose Pathways Occupational Health.