Toolbox Talk – Medical Checks Requirements

Annexure 3 highlights the possible exposures to which an employee will be subjected, the job-specific requirements the employee face, and the protective equipment the employee needs to perform his or her duties as per his or her job description.

Typical Medical Checks

In South Africa, construction workers are required to have a medical certificate of fitness to work, as mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Construction Regulation 2014. The medical examination for construction workers typically includes:

• Blood pressure
• Glucose monitoring
• Height and weight
• Eye testing
• Urinary testing
• Audiometry
• Spirometry
• Hearing test

The Purpose of Medical Checks

The purpose of the medical examination is to determine if the worker is physically and mentally fit for the job and to identify any medical conditions that could prevent them from performing their duties. The examination also helps to ensure that the workers’ health status won’t affect their safety or that of other workers.

Types of Medical Checks

Medical examinations for construction workers are usually performed by a qualified occupational medical practitioner. The frequency of medical examinations depends on the nature of the job and the project, but typically includes:

• Baseline medical: Performed when a new employee is hired or a new project begins
• Routine medical: Performed if the project lasts longer than a year
• Exit medical: Performed when the job is completed or the employee leaves the company

Download the full Toolbox Talk document on Medical Checks Requirements below:

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