Posted By Robin Jackson
This is the question that I have been asked:
Is there provision for forklift truck drivers over the age of 40 to undergo a medical examination every 3 years and for those over 60 to have a medical annually?

My question is?
to what extent and and depth does this medical have to be?

The DVLA state that for a class B driving license a medical is not required and may not be required when reapplying for a license when aged 70.

Can you see where I'm coming from. This is a discussion which I have had with 3 other H&S advisers, the HSE and other bodies but there seems not to be any concrete answer to what medical is to be performed. Do these people need to undergo a full medical by a doctor or occ health specialist or will a effective questionnaire be suitable.

Thank you

Posted By Robin Jackson
Thanks for that Bob

I have just moved job and this question was posted on the company's H & S Audit sheets.

My impression is that anyone can have an illness disability at any age and that they should be reviewed for their competency on such equipment by those people who are in a position to pass a judgement (i.e. we have a employee on site is a trained his forklift trainer)

The age descriptions are given in the guidance document HSG 6, however this is guidance on not necessarily the requirement of the law.

therefore would I be safe to say that forklift truck operators should undergo refresher training on a set time matrix, however that in its own is a wooly subject, surely forklift truck drivers don't need refresher training if they are doing the job, day in day out, apart from changes in the law, what else would they be refreshed in.

thanks again

Posted By nspencer
HS(G)6 Guidance says it best practice for FLT medicals to be carried out. Most Companies screen at pre-employment then age 40 years and 3 yearly after up to 65 years old and then annually.

How do you know if the FLT driver is fit to drive? I have found numerous people with extremely high blood pressure- meaning they could have a stroke or heart attack literally at the wheel and those who have defective vision or no vision in one eye!!!.