Medical Requirements

The medical requirements for rail industry workers depend on the risk of the work which they perform.

The new National Health Assessment Standards for Rail Safety Workers came into effect on 20th January 2013, and replace the 2004 standards. The standard has been consolidated into a single volume and has been updated to reflect current medical best practice.

The category of rail medical you will need depends on the job role you will be performing and the rail operators requirements. Information on the Category of Rail Medical required can be found within the rail operators matrices, examples and validity periods below:

Category 1 – High Level Safety Critical Worker

Category 2 – Safety Critical Worker

Assessment Frequency

Medical assessments for Category 1 and Category 2 workers are to be carried out prior to commencing any work on the railway, and then at regular intervals as outlined below :

  • Every 5 years up to age 50
  • Every 2 years age 50-60
  • Every year age 60 onward.

Category 3 – Around the Track Personnel

Assessment Frequency

Medical assessments for Category 3 workers are to be carried out prior to commencing any work on the railway, and then at intervals as outlined below:

  • Every 5 years from age of 40 and over.