What is Checked During a LATUS Group Safety Critical Medical Assessment?

What is checked during a Latus Group safety critical medical assessment?

For UK employers managing high-risk roles, understanding what is checked during a safety critical medical is essential for protecting people, meeting legal duties, and maintaining safe operations. Where employees operate machinery, drive vehicles, work with vibration tools, or undertake physically demanding tasks, medical fitness plays a critical role in risk control.

At Latus Group, safety critical medical assessments are structured, evidence-based, and tailored to the demands of the role. Importantly, they focus on fitness for work rather than diagnosis, supporting both safety and fair employment practices.

What is a safety critical medical assessment?

A safety critical medical assessment is an occupational health evaluation for employees whose role could present a significant risk if their health were to deteriorate. In practice, this applies where reduced mobility, impaired senses, respiratory issues, or sudden illness could lead to serious harm.

Therefore, assessments are designed to identify relevant health risks early, while enabling individuals to remain in work safely wherever possible.

Why safety critical medicals matter to UK employers

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must protect employees and others from foreseeable harm. Where roles are safety critical, this includes ensuring workers are medically fit to carry out their duties.

In addition:

• Medical fitness reduces accident and incident risk

• Employers can demonstrate proactive risk management

• Decisions are supported by objective occupational health evidence

Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive highlights the importance of proportionate health surveillance and fitness assessments where work activities present health or safety risks.

What is checked during a Latus Group Safety Critical Medical?

A common question from employers is what is checked during a safety critical medical and how thorough the process is. At Latus Group, assessments are role-specific and focused on the health factors most relevant to safe working.

General health assessment and questionnaire

Each assessment begins with a confidential health questionnaire and clinical review. This covers:

• Medical history and ongoing conditions

• Medication use

• Previous injuries or surgery

• Relevant lifestyle factors

As a result, the clinician gains an informed understanding of any health issues that could affect safety critical tasks.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) mobility assessment

For roles involving physical activity, manual handling, or awkward postures, an MSK assessment is essential. This considers:

• Mobility and range of movement

• Strength and functional ability

• Previous musculoskeletal injuries

In practice, this helps confirm whether the individual can safely meet the physical demands of their role.

Vision assessment

Good vision is vital in many safety critical roles. Therefore, vision testing typically includes:

• Distance and near visual acuity

• Assessment of visual capability relevant to the role

Any concerns are reviewed in the context of job requirements, rather than in isolation.

Audiometry (hearing assessment)

Where employees work in noisy environments or rely on audible warnings, audiometry may be included. This helps to:

• Identify hearing loss

• Assess ability to hear alarms or safety signals

• Support compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations

Lung function assessment

Respiratory health can be critical in roles involving physical exertion, dust, fumes, or respiratory protective equipment. Lung function testing supports:

• Early identification of reduced respiratory capacity

• Fitness decisions for safety critical tasks

• Wider health surveillance programmes where relevant

Skin assessment

In roles involving contact with chemicals, oils, or other irritants, skin assessments help identify:

• Signs of occupational dermatitis

• Early skin damage related to work exposure

This aligns with good practice under COSHH requirements.

HAVS assessment

Where employees use vibrating tools, assessments may include screening for Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). This considers:

• Exposure history

• Symptoms affecting circulation, sensation, or grip

Early identification is essential to prevent long-term harm and support compliance with vibration regulations.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis may be included as part of the general health screening. This can help identify indicators relevant to fitness for work, supporting a broader understanding of health status.

How results are reported to employers

Following the assessment, employers receive a clear occupational health opinion, not detailed medical information. Outcomes typically include:

• Fit for safety critical work

• Fit with adjustments or restrictions

• Temporarily unfit, with review recommendations

As a result, employers can make informed decisions while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with data protection requirements.

Legal and compliance relevance

Safety critical medical assessments support employer duties under:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Further guidance on health surveillance and fitness for work is available from the HSE: https://www.hse.gov.uk/health-surveillance/

How Latus Group supports safety critical roles

Latus Group delivers safety critical medicals through experienced occupational health clinicians, using consistent protocols aligned with UK best practice. Assessments can be delivered via clinics or on-site, helping employers balance compliance with operational needs.

Related services include:

• Safety critical medical assessments

• Fitness for work assessments

• Occupational health services for UK employers

• Health surveillance programmes

Knowing what is checked during a safety critical medical helps employers manage risk confidently and fairly. When assessments are proportionate, role-specific, and professionally delivered, they protect employees, support compliance, and contribute to safer workplaces.

If you are reviewing safety critical roles within your organisation, occupational health input provides clarity, consistency, and reassurance.

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