4.10 Lift truck operator medical and physical requirements

4.10.1

The user should inform the potential lift truck operator of the necessary medical and physical requirements of the job assignment as well as the operator evaluation criteria. (See Clause 6 for operator evaluation criteria.)

Where an operator has an impairment that could affect the safe operation of the lift truck, a case by case assessment shall be conducted. The user may require medical assistance or other expert advice as part of the assessment. The scope of medical advice should be confined to whether or not the lift truck operator is fit for the assignment. If it is determined that the operator is unfit for the job assignment, the user shall pursue ways to accommodate the operator.

4.10.2

Lift truck operators shall not operate the lift truck while taking medications that could adversely affect vision, perception, or any mental or physical abilities necessary for the safe operation of the lift truck. Medications that enable the lift truck operator to meet the medical and physical requirements for the safe operation of the lift truck shall be taken as prescribed.

4.10.3

The following are some medical and physical guidelines that may be considered in setting requirements:

• Vision:
• visual acuity to view all signs, instructions, and labels, necessary for the specific job;
• ability to differentiate between colours, if essential for the specific job;
• peripheral vision, as necessary for the specific job;
• good judgement of space, including depth, height, and distance; and
• if required, use of corrective lenses while operating the lift truck.
• Hearing:
• ability to hear all warning signals within the workplace, as necessary for the specific job; and
• if required, use of hearing aids while operating the lift truck.
• Physical:
• absence of physical impairments, neurological disorders, or other health disorders that can affect the safe operation of the lift truck; and
• sufficient strength, endurance, agility, and coordination to meet the demands of the job, which can include movement of the neck, upper and lower limbs, and trunk.