Transport medical standards review to ensure best practice

Dr Jeff Potter, National Transport Commission (NTC) Senior Manager Safety, has issued an invitation to all interested stakeholders to contribute to a review of transport medical standards for drivers and rail safety workers.

Dr Potter stated: “Our goal is to ensure the standards reflect medical best practice and continue to meet the practical needs of drivers, rail safety workers, health professionals, driver licensing authorities and rail operators.”

NTC is reviewing the medical standards contained in:

• Assessing Fitness to Drive — Commercial and Private Vehicle Drivers (2003); and
• the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers (2004).

Dr Potter said the review would focus on the medical content rather than the administrative aspects of the guidelines: “Driver licensing authorities and rail operators need to be assured that the decisions they make concerning a driver’s or rail safety worker’s fitness are based on the most up-to-date knowledge of the effects medical conditions have on safety.”

The issues paper can be downloaded. Written submissions must be sent by COB Friday 14 August.