Fork-Lift Truck
Medicals
For those who operate Fork-Lift Trucks (FLTs) in their workplace, FLT risk assessments are a crucial aspect of work health and safety. Depending on the level of hazard, there are 2 levels (or groups) of FLT medicals, so it's essential to full understand which one you or your employees require in order to operate a forklift safely. At Insight Workplace Health, we offer both levels of forklift truck medicals, delivered by caring, qualified occupational health experts.
What's involved in a FLT medical?
The FLT medical assessment is undertaken at one of our clinics, or in your workplace and includes a detailed health questionnaire including questions about potential musculoskeletal disorders, a vision assessment, blood pressure and blood sugar if your employee is an insulin dependent diabetic. The appointment should take no more than 25 minutes, and you could receive results on the same day, so you can get back to work with no major disruptions.
Where necessary, it may be appropriate for the individual to be referred to speak with an occupational health clinician for further guidance. For example, to ensure that medication or an underlying health condition does not impact the operator's ability to undertake all aspects of their role.
Generally, employees should have a FLT medical every 5 years and annually from the age of 65.
Why are forklift truck medicals important?
Forklift truck medicals are important as they ensure those who are operating serious machinery are physically and mentally fit enough to do so. Through regular checks of vision, blood pressure, and overall health, FLT risk assessments may also help to reduce the number of accidents or injuries. They also help employers meet their legal duty of care, as well as identify any medical issues early, supporting safety and long-term employee well-being.
Group 1 FLT medical vs Group 2 FLT medical
Group 1 forklift truck medical standards are based on the DVLA’s requirements for regular car and motorbike licence holders. For many who operate a forklift in low to moderate risk settings, this is the most common form of FLT risk assessment.
It covers:
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General health questions
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Vision check
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Blood pressure measurement
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Any additional tests required, based on medical history
Group 2 FLT medical standards are more stringent than group 1 and follow the DVLA’s rules for bus and lorry drivers. Group 2 is a requirement for those who work in safety-critical environments or those who have additional health considerations.
It includes:
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In-depth vision assessment with stricter criteria
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Stringent blood pressure and heart health checks
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Medical review for conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease
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Possible requirement for ongoing monitoring
Why choose Insight Workplace Health for your FLT medical
At Insight Workplace Health, we understand that choosing a provider for any occupational health service isn't just about delivering an assessment, it's about choosing a company that genuinely cares. We place reliability, quality, and safety at the forefront of all we do and are SEQOHS accredited, so you know you'll be receiving the highest quality of occupational health and safety advice, assessments and care.
Our mobile screening units are also available to deliver FLT medicals from anywhere, so if you’re not local to one of our clinics, you can still access a premium occupational health service without having to travel far. Looking for an expert team of occupational physicians, advisers, mental health specialists, neurodiversity assessors, ergonomic professionals, fit-to-fit face-fit testing experts and more? Reach out today to book your appointment with our specialists.
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FLT Medicals FAQs
What is an FLT medical?
A forklift (FLT) medical is an assessment that helps to gauge an individual's health where they operate a forklift truck. FLT medicals form an essential part of workplace health and safety for those operating machinery, as they look for issues such as potential musculoskeletal disorders, vision assessment, blood pressure and blood sugar diabetic. Reach our to our team to find out whether you require an FLT medical.
Do you need a medical for a forklift licence?
While there isn't a legal requirement to have a medical before getting a forklift licence, it's highly recommended to ensure workers are medically fit enough to work safely for themselves and others. The Health and Safety Executive advises employers to make sure their employees can operate a forklift within the DVLA Group 1 standards at a minimum.
What is medial exam for a forklift?
Depending on the risk level, there are 2 groups of medical exams for forklift users:
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Group 1 is for those who work in a low to moderate risk environment, and usually includes detailed general health questions, vision checks and blood pressure and blood sugar measurements for diabetics.
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Group 2 is for individuals who work in higher-risk settings. These include more in-depth assessments that monitor general health, vision, blood pressure, heart health checks and reviews of epilepsy.
How often should I have a forklift medical?
How often you have a forklift medical depends on how high-risk your working environment is, as well as other factors such as your age and overall health. Generally, for those who work in a low to medium-risk environment and are in good health, you should aim to have an FLT medical every 5 years. However, those who are following Group 2 standards should have more regular forklift risk assessments more frequently.