Plant operators to face new fitness regime

The Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group will next week launch draft guidance for consultation on the medical fitness of plant operators.

Group co-ordinator Kevin Minton said that operator fitness criteria would not be based on age, as many 60-year-olds were fitter than many 30-year-olds.

Instead, the drive is aimed at the fags, chips and ale brigade who while perhaps technically competent, may be so unfit as to represent a danger not only to themselves but also to others working near their machines. 

Any operators concerned about how the new guidance may affect them are free to attend the launch of the consultation document. It is being held at an open meeting of the Construction Plant-hire Association, 2pm Thursday 23 June at Haydock Park racecourse, near J23 of the M6.

The launch coincides with the Vertikal Days cranes and access equipment trade show, being held at the same location on 22-23 June.

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