Cat 2 Medical

A Category 2 Medical, also referred to as a CAT 2 Medical, applies to rail safety workers or contractors who perform safety critical work however, a sudden medical event or sudden incapacity do not impact the rail network and will not result in a serious incident affecting public safety.

The medical is designed to detect conditions which may impact on vigilance and work attentiveness, such as visual problems, epilepsy, neurological and sleep conditions, and other disorders.

A CAT 2 rail medical differs from a CAT 1 rail medicals in that it does not require workers to undergo a resting electrocardiograph.

What is included in a CAT 2 medical:

This is a less commonly requested rail medical.

  • Audiometry
  • Vision testing
  • Musculoskeletal assessment
  • General medical examination
  • Drug and alcohol screening

How long is a Category 2 medical valid for?

Category 2 Rail medicals are valid from the time of commencement to:

  • Every 5 years up until the age of 50, then
  • Every 2 years from age 50 up until the age of 60, then
  • Every year from age 60 onwards

CERT Training partners with authorised health professionals at Company Medical Services (CMS) to provide Category 2 medical, as well as pre-employment medicals and other services nationally.

It is recommended you wear clothing that allows you to comfortably and freely perform a full range of movements including bending, squatting, kneeling, and stretching.

If you have hearing aid/s, any glasses, contact lenses or corrective lenses, please make sure to bring them to your appointment, as well as your prescription medication and/or any other documentation to assist with the Drug and Alcohol screening.

Book your Cat 2 Rail Safety Worker Medical by contacting us via email: medbookings@cert.edu.au or, phone: 1300 042 378

Still have questions? Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for more advice.

Rail Medical Categories

A rail medical is a crucial requirement under the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers. Employers typically specify the type of medical assessment required by rail workers. It ensures that individuals who undertake safety-critical work and non-safety-critical work are fit for duty, thereby minimising the risks associated with ill health. This process is essential not only for the worker’s own safety but also for the safety of the public and the rail corridor.

While a railway medical is not necessary to enrol in CERT courses, it must be completed before engaging in any work on the track, on-the-job mentoring, or practical assessments. Ensuring the medical is suitable for all roles you will be working in is vital to prevent any serious incidents.

CAT 1 Medical

This is the highest level of rail medical available and is for rail workers or contractors undertaking a safety critical role requiring a high level of attentiveness to their tasks and where sudden incapacity may result in a serious incident affecting the public or the rail network.
» Find out more CAT 1 Medical

CAT 3 Medical

A Category 3 Rail Medical, often referred to as a CAT 3 Medical, is an assessment designed to help non-safety critical workers make sure their health and fitness does not impact the rail network. The CAT 3 Medical tests your ability to operate safely in the rail corridor so you can hear instructions, move to a safe place, and maintain an awareness of your surroundings.
» Find out more CAT 3 Medical

Medicals

To obtain a Rail Industry Worker card (RIW) you are required to undertake a medical assessment conducted by an ‘Authorised Health Professional’. Rail medicals test your ability to be in the rail corridor and hear instructions, move to a safe place, and maintain an awareness of your surroundings.
» Find out more Medicals