Latest news
A new edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers came into effect on 11 November 2024. All health assessments conducted for the purpose of determining fitness for duty of rail safety workers must now 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.
To support the implementation of the Standard, we have developed a guidance document. The Risk Categorisation and Health Assessment Requirements includes a template along with examples that are to be used as a guide only.
Download the Standard
We worked with unions, operators, governments and health professionals to update the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Works. The revised Standard came into effect in November 2024.
The updated Standard incorporates the latest expertise and best practice. Hard copies of the Standard are available to purchase.
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.
Risk Categorisation and Health Assessment Requirements
We have partnered with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) to develop a new resource to support the implementation of the Standard.
Rail workers play a vital role in maintaining the safety and reliability of Australia’s rail network. The Risk Categorisation and Health Assessment Requirements was developed to assist industry, workers, operators and medical professionals better understand and apply the health risk management process outlined in the Standard.
This guidance includes a template, along with 24 real-world examples of how health risk management is carried out across a range of roles within the rail network. The examples have been drawn from actual rail transport operators to demonstrate the risk assessment process outlined in the Standard. The examples are intended as guidance only and should not be a substitute for conducting risk assessments within the rail transport operator.
Prior to carrying out the health risk categorisation process, rail transport operators need to carry out a risk assessment and implement controls to manage any risk arising from identified hazards.
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.
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.
Have your say
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.
