Medical assessments are carried out to ensure an individual is fit to work in a specific environment. People who Work at Height such as Industrial Abseilers, Riggers, Telecommunications Engineers and more, may require a medical to check their fitness for their specific work.

The Working at Height Medical involves a general health screen (vision, bmi, etc), a grip strength test, urinalysis (check for diabetes),a psychological asessment questionnaire and a consultation with an occupational health nurse.

The construction regulations in the Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the requirement for a comprehensive, risk-based medical testing for all employees

The aim of the construction medical is:

• Determine whether the employee is physically and mentally fit to do work
• Identify medical conditions that may render employees temporarily or permanently unable to perform their duties
• Determine whether the employee’s current health status may affect risks and safety at work for both employee and other workers
• Issue recommendations to the employer on the necessary actions to protect and maintain the health of employees

An extensive set of regulations are applicable to all food handlers, including those working in restaurants, cafés, shebeens and taverns, as well as caterers/suppliers at special events.

Not only do we offer a complete medical examination with biological monitoring for salmonella, E.coli, tuberculosis and so forth, but we also educate employees about the importance of food safety in the organisational culture of a food business.

Our medicals are complemented by health interviews. They comprise the completion of a questionnaire by the employee and are aimed at a general assessment of a person’s suitability for work as a food handler in terms of demeanour, appearance and cleanliness. All relevant aspects related to environmental health matters and best practice of food handling are included in the questionnaire.

Strict occupational health and safety regulations apply throughout the agricultural industry, from poultry and wine farms to abattoirs. Many diseases must be reported to the relevant authorities because the health and safety risks are so many and potentially so far-reaching.

This requirement falls under a legally mandated hygiene management programme (HMP) that every abattoir owner must implement. It focuses on both the personal hygiene and medical fitness of workers, since either can have a profound impact on food health and safety.

Beyond the abattoir, farm workers involved in the farming of animal products or field crops face many occupational health hazards. These include:

• Being exposed to animals that can transmit diseases such as avian flu, ringworm and bovine tuberculosis.
• Grain dust exposure in silos, which can lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies.
• Pesticide exposure, which affects handlers, harvesters and anyone working near a recently sprayed field.
• Muscoskeletal injuries because of repetitive or forceful movement, heavy lifting, prolonged awkward postures and vibration.
• Hearing loss because of noise exposure (think tractors, harvesters, chainsaws, squealing pigs).
• Heat or cold stress from working long hours in extreme temperatures.

It is clear that farm and abattoir workers, depending on their risk exposure, could require pre-employment, periodical/annual as well as exit medicals. These should entail a full medical examination with biological monitoring. Certain vaccinations, lung function tests and chest X-rays may also be required.

There are many dangers inherent in the manufacturing and engineering setting. For example, physical hazards include but are not limited to:

• noise
• hand-arm and whole-body vibration
• electromagnetic radiation (electricity and X-ray)
• airborne and omnipresent chemical exposure (cement, wood, dust)
• exposure to thinners and solvents used in glues or paints
• exposure to harmful toxic substances
• chemical contact
• exposure to hot parts

Transport workers, especially drivers are typically exposed to:

• Prolonged sitting or standing, repetitive movements and carrying or moving heavy loads, all of which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, especially back problems.
• Whole-body vibration, which can lead to serious musculoskeletal disorders and also affect vision and co-ordination.
• Noise, which can lead to hearing loss.
• Inhalation of toxic vapors and fumes such as diesel and road dust, which can cause respiratory problems.
• Stress because of crime, road rage and aggressive customers, which can have many negative mental and physical health effects and lead to absenteeism.
• Work at heights
• Night and shift work

Warehouse and storage workers may be exposed to the following risks in addition to those mentioned above:

• Dusty conditions in warehouses, which can cause breathing problems.
• High or low temperatures, such as working in a freezer area, which can adversely affect people with certain pre-existing medical conditions.
• Being hit by moving or falling objects, which can cause serious or even fatal injuries.
• Inhalation of fumigation gases in containers, which can have acute and chronic effects