Is my worker medically fit to drive?
When it comes to workplace safety, one often overlooked aspect is the medical fitness of drivers operating work vehicles. Given that a vehicle is a ‘place of work’ under HSAW 2015, if you supply your employees with a vehicle or they are commercial drivers for you your organisation, you need to consider what sort of medical assurance that you need for them to continue working.
Not only is this necessary for their safety, but it's also necessary for the safety of other drivers and the general effectiveness of your business operations. Additionally, it looks horrible when a branded car appears on social media in an unfortunate circumstance.
Understanding Medical Fitness Standards
In New Zealand, medical fitness to drive is governed by the Waka Kotahi/NZTA Medical aspects of fitness to drive: a guide for health practitioners (MAFTD).
The key factors assessed are vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, neurological conditions, and mental health. Key changes proposed under the new MAFTD guidelines are:
- Blackouts of unknown cause: NZTA proposes introducing a 5-year standdown period following a single blackout of undetermined nature. A 10-year standdown period is proposed for patients who have experienced two or more blackouts of undetermined nature separated by 24 hours.
- Strokes – Four weeks stand down private vehicles and three months for commercial drivers - Cardiac arrest - minimum stand down of 6 months for both private and commercial drivers
Various other medical issues and how they are medically managed will also be clarified. This includes: TIA/ Brian bleeds, Dementia and cognitive impairment, head injuries, tumours, angina, severe hypertension, diabetes type 1 and 2, vision and hearing issues, mental health issues including suicidal ideation, and exemptions for seatbelts and helmets.
2. Regular Medical Examinations
One of the most effective ways to ensure your drivers are medically fit is through regular medical examinations. These exams could take the form of:
Pre-employment Medical Checks: Ensure all drivers undergo a thorough medical examination before they are hired. This sets a baseline for their health.
Periodic Medical Reviews: these could be annual or biannual.
Return-to-Work Assessments: If a driver has been off work due to illness or injury, ensure they are medically cleared before they resume driving duties.
4. Training and Awareness
Educate your drivers about the importance of medical fitness. Encourage them to report any changes in their health that could affect their ability to drive safely. This could include new medications, the onset of symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, or a diagnosis of a condition like diabetes.
5. Partnering with Medical Professionals
If in doubt, consider partnering with occupational health services or medical professionals who understand the specific demands of driving work vehicles. This is especially important if your employee is return to work after an accident or health issue.
Ensuring that your drivers are medically fit to operate work vehicles is a key component of workplace safety. By implementing regular medical checks, establishing a clear medical fitness policy, and fostering a culture of health awareness, you can help prevent accidents and keep your operations running smoothly. Prioritising medical fitness not only protects your drivers but also safeguards your business and the wider community.
If you need assistance drafting your company driving policy, please contact Sarah Thomas on 0272 007 680, or by email below.