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A new edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers came into effect on 11 November 2024.
Transport ministers approved the revised National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers in October 2024, following a three-year review process by the NTC.
From 11 November 2024, all health assessments conducted for the purpose of determining fitness for duty of rail safety workers must be conducted according to the new edition of the Standard.
Only Authorised Health Professionals trained in the new Standards and registered as Authorised Health Professionals with the AHP Program may conduct assessments under the Standard.
Download the Standard
The 2024 National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers can be downloaded here.
An accessible word version is also available.
Previous versions of the Standard are available on request.
Summary of changes
A summary of the changes resulting from the review, as well as a comprehensive consultation report describing the reason for these changes can be accessed below.
Fact sheets
To support the implementation of the revised Standard, the NTC has produced helpful fact sheets for rail transport operators and workers. These fact sheets can be viewed below.
Download health assessment forms
The following standard forms are provided in fillable pdf format.
Risk categorisation:
All rail safety workers are categorised to determine the type of health assessment required. For instructions, please see Section 2.4 of the Standard.
Forms for Category 1 and 2 assessments:
For instructions, please see Section 2.6.2 and Section 3 of the Standard. The flowchart below explains the process and responsibilities for each of the forms used in the health assessments.
- Request and Report Form 2024
- Worker Notification and Health Questionnaire (Category 1 and 2) 2024
- Record for Health Professional (Category 1 and 2) 2024
Forms for Category 3 assessments:
For instructions please see Section 2.6.2 and Section 3of the Standard. The flowchart below explains the process and responsibilities for each of the forms.
- Request and Report Form 2024
- Worker Notification and Health Questionnaire (Category 3) 2024
- Record for Health Professional (Category 3) 2024
Other clinical forms:
Most clinical questionnaires are included in the Worker Health Notification and Health Questionnaire form. The exception is the Clarke Hypoglycaemia Awareness Questionnaire, which is administered as required. For instructions, see Section 4.3.2 and Section 6.1.1 of the Standard.
Requirements for Authorised Health Professionals
Authorised Health Professionals must meet specific selection criteria which focus on the health professional's knowledge and understanding of the rail occupational environment.
Queries about becoming an Authorised Health Professional may be directed to the AHP Program or the Chief Medical Officer of the relevant rail transport operator.
All enquiries about the use of the Standard should be directed to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.
For enquiries relating to policy issues, email us on enquiries@ntc.gov.au.
Your feedback
The NTC welcomes your ongoing feedback on the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers.
Please use this online form to alert us to issues identified in the Standard. We will consider your feedback in preparation for the next review of the Standard, and be in contact if we require any further information.
