What Rail Medicals Do I Require and What Should I Expect?

What Rail Medicals do I require and What Should I Expect?

One of the requirements for your Rail Industry Workers Card is for you to complete a Health Assessment by an authorised provider.

What are the different types of health Assessments?

There are three different types of health assessment based on whether the work undertaken is safety critical or non-safety critical as shown below:

• Safety Critical
• Category 1: High level safety critical worker
• Category 2: Safety critical worker (not at a high level)
• Non-safety critical
• Category 3: Around the track personnel

Jade, I can do it in a picture if you want – I’ll wait to confirm colours though

If you are looking for an entry level position in the rail industry you only require a category 3 however, if you are unsure always check with your employer. Below is a general guide outlining which positions each assessment applies to:

• Category 1: applies to rail safety workers who undertake safety critical work and whose ill health may result in sudden incapacity or collapse leading to a serious incident affecting public safety or the rail network.
  Jobs can include: Hand signalling, RTC (Cat3) train drivers, shunting
  
• Category 2: applies to rail safety workers who undertake safety critical work where sudden incapacity will not impact on the safety of the public or the rail network.
  Jobs can include: Train guards
  
• Category 3: applies to rail safety workers who undertake non-safety critical work and whose health and fitness does not impact directly on the rail network but who are required to protect their own safety and that of other workers.
  Jobs can include:applies to all other rail safety work performed around, on or near the track where there is a potential interface with moving rollingstock, this includes ticketed operators of other on-track vehicles

Where do I go to have my health assessment?

You must use an approved medical provider and the list can be found at:

How do I arrange the health assessment?

Using the approved list of providers, find your nearest provider and phone to arrange an appointment.

How much will it cost?

You will need to confirm with your provider but it averages between $270 and $400

How long will the assessment take?

You will need to confirm with your provider but you should allow for up to 2 hours

Who sees my health assessment result?

Your medical information is confidential and your employer is not entitled to receive any medical information about you. A summary of your fitness (Certificate of Fitness) will be provided as evidence of your fitness to perform rail safety work

How long will my health assessment be valid for?

This depends on what type of health assessment you need and your age. See below table:

Medical Category / Validity
Category 1 / They 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 onwards

Category 2 / As per Category 1
Category 3 / They are to be carried out prior to commencing any work on the railway, and then at regular intervals as outlined below:

• Every 5 years from age 40 and over

Need some extra help?

We offer Category 3 medicals on the same day as some of our courses so feel free to contact us and we will help arrange your medical.