Don’t risk an expired medical certificate preventing you from doing your job safely in the new year. If you work in an industry that requires you to have an in-date occupational medical certificate, then now is the time to check your renewal dates ahead of the Christmas holidays.
When to renew occupational medicals
The exact validity period for each occupational medical certificate will depend upon the industry that you work in and the responsibilities of your role. It may also depend upon your age, as well as any health conditions that might impact your abilities on the job and must be assessed on a regular basis.
Check this list of occupational medical assessments to find out how long your certificate is valid for, and remember to book your appointment before the Christmas break to avoid any issues in the new year.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Seafarer Medicals
The ENG-1 medical certificate is normally valid for up to two years for all seafarers over the age of 18. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to renew their certificate every year.
UK CAA (UK) and EASA (EU) Medicals
Class 1: Class 1 medical examinations are for commercial pilots operating in the UK and EU and must be renewed every:
- 12 months for pilots under the age of 40.
- 12, but potentially 6, months for those aged 40 to 59 (depending upon airline requirements).
- 6 months for pilots aged 60 and over.
Class 2: A Class 2 certificate is required for private and recreational pilots and will be valid for:
- 60 months for pilots under the age of 40. If a pilot receives this certificate before the age of 40 then it will no longer be valid once they turn 42.
- 24 months for pilots aged 40 to 50. The medical certificate will also expire at 51 if it was issued before the age of 50.
- 12 months for pilots aged 50 or over.
CAA and EASA Cabin Crew Medicals
These medicals verify the health and wellbeing of cabin crew members operating within the jurisdiction of the CAA or EASA. The certificate is initially valid for a period of 60 months and will then need to be renewed every 5 years, or on an annual basis, depending upon the medical requirements of each crew member.
UK Offshore Energies Association (OEUK) Medicals
OEUK medicals are also often known as Oil & Gas medicals, and the certificates for these examinations are generally valid for 2 years for all those who work in the offshore oil, gas, and wind industry.
HGV, PSV, and Forklift Operator Medicals
Group 2 HSV, LGV and PSV licence holders must pass the medical assessment once before the age of 45 and then renew it every 5 years from the age of 45 to the age of 65.
Drivers over the age of 65 will then need to pass the relevant renewal assessment every year.
Diving and Compressed Air Medicals
Those whose role includes diving or working in compressed air will require a certificate of medical fitness which must be renewed at least every 12 months, but the renewal period may be shorter if the medical examiner decides that more regular examinations are required.
Confined Space Medicals
The HSE defines a confined space as a substantially enclosed place and all those who work in such spaces must renew their medical certificate within the validity window – usually once every 12 months.
Shift and Night Worker Medicals
Those who work between the hours of midnight and 5am are required to complete a pre-commencement health screening before starting night work and attend an annual renewal medical.
What happens if my medical certificate expires?
Medical certificate renewal periods are set to protect the health and safety of yourself, your colleagues, and all customers or passengers under your care.
They must be adhered to, and if your occupational medical certificate does expire, then you may be required to attend an initial medical assessment. This will depend upon how long the certificate has been expired and the type of medical certificate that you hold, but the easiest way to maintain compliance with your industry regulations is to book your renewal appointment well in advance of the expiry date.
Renewal will also be required if:
- You are returning to work after an extended period away e.g. a health-related absence of more than one month.
- You or your supervisor suspects that you have developed a condition that may impair your ability to perform your duties safely.
- There is a significant change in your job role or responsibilities that requires additional medical examination.
Remember – ‘fit to return to work’ is not the same as fit to operate heavy machinery, work in confined spaces, or serve as a pilot. If you have reason to believe that your current certificate no longer represents your physical wellbeing, despite being within date, then speak with your local approved examiner today for more guidance.
Book your renewal appointment today
Is your occupational medical certificate near the end of its validity period?
Book in for an appointment with Heathrow Medical today, and don’t forget to keep your patient copy of your medical notes to speed up your next medical certificate renewal process!
