Rail Medicals
Medical Assessments Conducted in Line with the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers
Rail safety workers’ medical assessments are a legislative group of health checks applicable to workers on a rail corridor. Medixhealth’s experienced medical team includes Authorised Health Professionals (AHPs), who regularly conduct rail assessments as outlined in the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers.
We provide Chief Medical Officer consultancy services to a number of major rail organisations throughout Australia, ensuring that all of their workers undergo regular medical assessment to manage the risks to themselves and others posed by ill health. Rail medicals take into account medical evidence regarding the worker’s mental and physical well-being, as well as a risk analysis of the tasks they are required to undertake.
If you are looking for a partner in health with a deep understanding of rail safety national law and years of experience supporting rail transport operators and other rail workers with health assessments provided by authorised health professionals — Medixhealth is here to help. We can help to ensure your rail operators are healthy, safe and prepared for their roles.
There are three levels of rail medical, which are suitable for different roles. We can provide your company with an employee health assessment for all three of these levels, including category 1 rail, category 2 rail and category 3 rail. Read along to discover the intricacies of each level.
CAT 1 Rail Medical
The CAT 1 Rail Medical includes:
- Medical questionnaire and examination
- Cardiovascular risk screening (including bloods and ECG)
- Audiogram
- Vision testing
- Drug and alcohol test is recommended
CAT 2 Rail Medical
The CAT 1 Rail Medical includes:
- Medical questionnaire and examination
- Audiogram
- Vision testing
- Drug and alcohol testing is recommended
Get in touch
If you’re a rail transport operator, part of a rail organisation looking for medical services for your workforce, or are simply looking for more information on rail medicals, 4cRisk is here to assist you.
Our team works closely with authorised health professionals that have a deep knowledge of the rail occupational environment. So, whether you’re navigating the complexities of rail health assessments or seeking consultancy for your organisation’s safety protocols, our experts are equipped to offer the guidance and services you need.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to take the first steps towards meeting the health and safety requirements of the rail industry.
CAT 3 Rail Medical
A CAT 3 Rail Medical applies to rail corridor workers who undertake non-safety-critical work, and whose health and fitness does not directly impact the rail network. It is the minimum medical requirement to obtain a Rail Industry Workers (RIW) Card or a Rail Industry Standard Induction (RISI) Card.
The CAT 3 Rail Medical includes:
- Medical questionnaire and examination
- Audiogram
- Vision testing
- Drug and alcohol testing may be a requirement for some operators
Your Questions Answered
How long is a CAT 1 Rail Medical valid for?
After being issued, CAT 1 Rail Medicals need to be renewed:
- At least every 5 years up to age 50
- At least every 2 years from age 50 – 60
- At least annually from age 60+
What is the difference between CAT 1, CAT 2, and CAT 3 rail medicals?
The primary distinction between category 1 rail, category 2 rail and category 3 rail, lies in the level of safety responsibility associated with each category. CAT 1 Rail Medicals are for workers in safety-critical roles with potential public safety implications, CAT 2 for those in less critical roles but still on the rail network, and CAT 3 for non-safety-critical positions.
How long is a CAT 3 Rail Medical valid for?
After being issued, CAT 3 Rail Medicals are valid up to age 40 unless the authorised health practitioner has indicated more frequent review. After this, they require renewal at least every 5 years.
Can I switch between different categories of rail medicals as my role in the rail industry changes?
How long is a CAT 2 Rail Medical valid for?
After being issued, CAT 2 Rail Medicals need to be renewed:
- At least every 5 years up to age 50
- At least every 2 years from age 50 – 60
- At least annually from age 60+
Why is a drug and alcohol test recommended in all three categories of rail medicals?
Ensuring the safety of rail workers and the general public is paramount. Drug and alcohol testing is a crucial component in assessing a worker’s fitness and ability to perform safety-critical work without posing a risk to public safety or causing a serious incident. In essence drug and alcohol screening tests help to keep the public and rail safety workers alike safe.
How does Medixhealth ensure the confidentiality and security of medical assessments?
Your privacy and security are important to us. This is why all rail workers can rest assured knowing Medixhealth adheres to very strict privacy policies and uses advanced security measures to protect your personal information when undergoing health assessments. Our team of accredited health professionals is committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality as you go through the health assessment process.
