All through the Covid-19 crisis, the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) has provided practical support to operators. Now that many companies are starting to open again, its Return to Work (RTW) protocols and procedures are important. In the past few days updated information has been published and there are some recent changes to the RTW form and associated checklists.

In addition an update of the Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines has been launched by the National office of Traffic Medicine, along with three new leaflets on stroke, vision and pregnancy and driving.

RTW form has been updated to take account of the symptoms of loss of sense of smell and taste.

Checklist 3: COVID-19 Induction  has been updated to take account of requirement for face coverings on public transport.

Checklist 4: Dealing with a Suspected Case of COVD-19 will be updated to take account of the current relevant symptoms.

What do you know about medical fitness to drive?

Irish and EU legislation requires that a driver should advise their driver licensing authority of any long-term or permanent injury or illness that may affect their safe driving ability.

Do you know what is required of you?  

Your workers who drive for work as professional drivers of buses and trucks?

Your workers who drive for work as non-professional drivers of cars, vans, 4x4s, SUVs and specialised vehicles?

The 2020 update of the Sláinte agus Tiomáint Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines for Group 1 and Group 2 drivers, by RCPI National Office for Traffic Medicine and Road Safety Authority and three new leaflets on: Stroke, Transient Ischaemic Attack and Driving; Vision and Driving; Pregnancy and Driving.

Medical fitness to drive guidelines and short information leaflets on certain medical conditions are available to download from  https://www.ndls.ie/medical-reports.html

Links to the full suite of guidance are given below:  

• Sláinte agus Tiomáint; Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines
• Your health and driving
• FAQs – Your health and driving
• Guide To Completing D501 Medical Report April 2017
• Guidelines to completing Eyesight Report D502
• Diabetes and Driving
• Cardiac Conditions and Driving
• Alcohol and Driving
• Medicines and Driving
• Emergency Department
• Stroke, Transient Ischaemic Attack and Driving
• Vision and Driving
• Sleep Apnoea
• Epilepsy Leaflets
• Dementia and Driving
• Dementia and Giving Up Driving
• Pregnancy and Driving