A medical examination is not mandatory for forklift operators. However, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that all forklift operators undergo a medical. This raises the question as to the requirement of medical fitness for a forklift operator. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) says that for most forklift operators, a standard fitness equivalent to Group 1 entitlement (ordinary car driving licence holders) would be appropriate. However, forklift activities such as working in a demanding environment, working at night or moving highly toxic or explosive materials would be more appropriate to Group 2 entitlement (heavy goods vehicle licence holders).
Also, if you drive a forklift truck on public roads, a Group 2 entitlement fitness level would be more appropriate. Group 2 licenses require medical examination every five years from age 45, and every year from age 65.
Medical conditions that may affect a forklift operator include:
- Disability – This does not necessarily bar one from the ability to drive a forklift truck. Each person should be assessed individually, especially as some disabled people develop compensatory skills. Some adjustment to a forklift truck may be required for certain disabilities. Considerations for an emergency situation should also be looked at and risk assessment carried out.
- Medication – some medication, prescribed or off the shelf, may temporarily affect the ability to operate a forklift truck. Advice from a doctor or a pharmacist should be sought. Err on the side of caution.
- Alcohol and illicit drugs – If under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, do not operate a forklift truck. Information for employers is available on “Don’t mix it: A guide for employers on alcohol at work”
- Locomotor – There are no specific restrictions on Group 1 entitlement but the ability to operate a forklift truck depends on the demands of the job. Normally there should be full movement of the trunk, neck, upper and lower limbs. If not, then a risk assessment should be carried out.
- Diabetes mellitus – This is normally acceptable if controlled by tablets or diet alone and there are no complications, especially affecting the eye sight. Use of insulin is normally acceptable if there is satisfactory control and no complications. Recognition of warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia is essential. Continued review of the condition is necessary.
- Illness – Assessment is also recommended after an absence of more than one month or after a shorter absence if it is likely that the illness may have affected fitness to operate a forklift truck. Doctors certificate to go back to work does not necessarily mean it is safe to operate a forklift truck.
- Ischaemic heart disease – After an uncomplicated myocardial infarction, a forklift truck operator should cease work for at least one month. After that, a medical assessment should be carried out before recommencing work, provided there is no disqualifying condition. A second or complicated myocardial infarction will require careful assessment in the light of residual function, risk factors etc
- Angina – if a forklift truck operator is suffering from angina, he should cease work until satisfactory control of the symptoms is achieved. Medication may have side effects which may interfere with the forklift truck operation. It will not be a bar to operating a forklift truck unless symptoms are occurring during operation or at rest, or unless medication produces side effects which may interfere with work. Forklift truck operation may recommence when satisfactory symptom control is achieved.
Ruth Wallace of Wallace Forklift Training London says “seek medical advice if there is any doubt about a person’s fitness to operate a forklift truck as it is a large heavy vehicle and could do serious damage to equipment and personnel”.
Useful Links:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l113.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/HSG65.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/lift-trucks/
https://www.hsa.ie/eng/publications_and_forms/publications/machinery_and_work_equipment/cop.pdf
Wallace School of Transport including Forklift Training in London is a fully accredited RTITB company with over 60 years’ experience. You can be trained either at your own work site or at Wallace Centre in Park Royal. If you have any questions, call Wallace Forklift Training on 020 8453 3440, choose option 3 or click here to email us.