CAT 3 Rail Medicals More WHA testing locations becoming available throughout Australia and New Zealand. Since the regulation changes in late 2024 with the release of the new edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers, we have been working with our clinic network to provide convenient access to CAT 3 rail medical assessments. WHA now has CAT 3 accredited assessors in every state and territory across Australian and is continuing to expand our reach. CAT 3 Rail Medicals The Category 3 (CAT 3) rail medical is for workers around the track who conduct non-safety critical work. These workers are responsible for their own safety and safety of fellow workers, however, do not directly impact the safety of the rail network or the public. This medical assessment focuses on a workers’ ability to detect and quickly respond to an oncoming train or warnings. Assessing conditions such as sight, hearing and mobility. CAT 3 rail medicals are the minimum requirement to work within the rail corridor and includes positions such as station staff members and authorised officers. Enquire Now CAT 3 Rail Medical Assessment The medical assessment components that are required in a CAT 3 medical includes: Audiometry Vision Testing Musculoskeletal assessment Psychiatric and behavioural evaluation Other components can also be included depending on the state/territory’s legislation and the rail transport operator’s requirements. Instant Drug & Alcohol screening can also be added at an additional cost. All health assessments of rail safety workers in Australia are conducted in line with the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers. How Long Is A CAT 3 Rail Medical Assessment Valid For? A CAT 3 Rail Medical Assessment remains valid from the date it is issued until the employee reaches the age of 40. After turning 40, rail workers are required to undergo periodic health assessments every five years to ensure they continue to meet the safety and fitness standards necessary for their role. This regular review process helps maintain workplace safety and ensures employees are medically fit to carry out their duties in the rail industry. National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers A new edition of the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers came into effect on 11 November 2024. From this date forward, all WHA’s health assessments of rail safety workers in Australia are conducted strictly in line with this edition, ensuring compliance requirements are continued to be meet and we maintain high standard of occupational health and safety in the rail industry. FAQ's about CAT 3 Rail Medicals Do I need to complete any paperwork when making a CAT 3 rail medical booking? Yes, Part A of the Request and Report form is to be completed during the booking process. Please complete the mandatory Part A upon completion of the booking – the form can be downloaded here Who needs a CAT 3 rail medical? Rail Cat 3 Medicals applies to non-safety rail workers to ensure their health and fitness does directly impact the rail network but who are required to protect their own safety and that of other workers by accurately listening and following safety instructions and maintaining awareness of their surroundings. How often do I need to get a CAT 3 Rail Medical assessment? CAT 3 rail medical assessments are valid from the issues date until the employee reaches 40 years of age. Periodic health assessments every 5 years are required thereafter. A medical assessment can be required before and employees turns 40, or sooner then 5 years after turning 40, if the assessing doctor has explicitly indicated an earlier review date than the natural expiry date. The status of the medical would be set as ‘Fit for Duty Subject to Review.’