Rank: Forum user 
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do we have to do a medical for people over the age of 45 who work in a freezer, some work occasionally some more like full time. Most who are in the freezer are under 30, well protected with freezer suits adequate breaks etc. This is spurred by a question in an audit
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Rank: Forum user
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I am not aware of specific requirements for medicals of people over 45.
I would argue that ALL employees who work in a freezer should fundergo a medical to ascertain their suitabiliity and fitness to do the job. After this, ongoing Health Surveillance should monitor any changes to this initial assessment.
I would also argue that other individual factors (lung capacity, fitness, weight, sex i.e. expectant mothers) may have a greater impact on an individuals capability rather than age - and that's before you get into the whole equality argument...
For more info, refer to BS EN ISO 15743:2008 Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment. Cold Workplaces. Risk Assessment and Management.
Regards,
Ian
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Rank: Super forum user
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simply using 'age' as a point in any management system is not in line with the equality actsso I would up date your audit questions etc and I would follow IP 20760's advice
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Rank: Super forum user
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I would agree with Bob - we have just received legal advice that we cannot impose a different timeframe for medicals based on age (in our case we queried over 65, but the principle is the same).
Not sure I think this is correct as the risk of illness etc does increase with age, but equality apparently trumps risk assessment!
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks i could not remember seeing anything specifically about age 45 and over. Our employees get a medical on starting and occ health referals if neccesary. I would make the point though that HSG 6 recommends medicals for lift truck operators from age 40..... i wonder if this will be re-written?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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It would all come down to the question of if your risk assessment indicated any particular risks relevant to age. Personally I would think it hard to pinpoint any specifics. The reference made in earlier post to lift truck guidance on medical recommendations (age related) is written on the basis of many factors which are clearly age related which could affect the safety of operators and others. Hence - age related exination for lift truck drivers working in refrigerated areas, general work in such areas - not required unless identified reasons in risk assessment.
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Rank: Forum user
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HGV Licence Holders are also required to undergo a medical at age 45, so despite the EA 2010 their are some areas of work that specifically require a health assessment. No idea if Cold storage is one of those though!
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