ACoP L117
Fit to drive. Every shift.
A forklift driver must be physically and psychologically fit to work safely. Our driver medicals follow ACoP L117, so you know your operators are fit for duty and you can show it.
Prioritising forklift driver health
HSE guidelines recommend that forklift operators have driver medicals at set intervals. Best practice is a medical at the start of employment, particularly when someone moves into a driving role, then at age 40 and periodically after that. Drivers over 65 are strongly encouraged to have an annual medical.
The legal framework
Employers’ duty to keep employees safe comes from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires suitable and thorough risk assessment. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 reinforce that duty.
ACoP L117 standards
ACoP L117 sets out the health and fitness requirements for lift-truck drivers. A driver must be both physically and psychologically fit to do the job safely.
What happens
The process, step by step.
- 01
Distance sight test
Making sure drivers keep good visual acuity.
- 02
Audiometry
Monitoring hearing and protecting against noise-induced loss.
- 03
Mobility assessment
Checking the physical fitness and mobility the role needs.
- 04
Urinalysis
Screening for underlying conditions that could affect fitness to drive.
FAQs
Forklift driver medicals: questions.
Is a forklift medical a legal requirement?
There’s no single statute that names it, but ACoP L117 sets the expected standard, and your risk assessment duty under the 1974 Act and the 1999 Regulations means you must be satisfied that drivers are fit.
What happens if a driver doesn’t pass?
We advise on fitness, any restrictions or adjustments, and when to review, so decisions are fair and defensible.
Surveillance checker
Anything else you need?
Most workplaces have more than one hazard. Add the rest and see your full surveillance programme.
Step 1 · Tick everything your people are exposed to
Step 2 · What you’re likely to need
0 programmes
Select the hazards in your workplace and we’ll show which health surveillance applies, the regulation behind it and how often it’s due.
General guidance based on HSE regulations. Your risk assessment decides what’s required, and we’ll confirm it with you.
Related
You might also need.
Noise Regs 2005 · Reg 9
AudiometryHearing checks for anyone exposed to workplace noise. A 20-minute on-site assessment.Learn more
COSHH 2002 · Reg 11
COSHH surveillanceAnnual skin and lung-function checks for people who work with dust, fumes, vapours, flour or spices.Learn more
Vibration Regs 2005 · Reg 7
Hand-arm vibrationHAVS health surveillance for anyone using vibrating hand-held tools such as breakers, saws and grinders.Learn more