NL Offshore Medical Examination and working at height
Since the introduction of the NL Offshore Medical Examination, there is now one clear national standard for everyone working offshore — including a specific assessment for Working at Height (WAH).
If you work offshore at heights of 2.5 metres or more — for example in offshore wind, rope access, or inspection work on installations — your medical examination will also determine whether you are physically fit to work safely at height.
In this article, you’ll learn why this assessment was introduced, what is tested, and what it means for your certificate.
Why this matters
In the past, medical requirements for working at height in offshore environments were not standardised.
Some workers had a NOGEPA medical with a fitness test, others underwent a G41 medical, and in some cases, no specific height assessment was carried out at all.
With the NL Offshore Medical, this has changed. The assessment for working at height is now officially integrated into one recognised medical framework.
That means: no separate wind medicals, less confusion, and one certificate clearly stating whether you are fit for work at height.
Who needs the Working at Height assessment?
The additional assessment applies to anyone who regularly works above 2.5 metres in environments where fall protection is required — for example on platforms, in wind turbines, or on other elevated structures.
It doesn’t apply to incidental ladder use, but to roles where working at height is a structural and essential part of the job.
During your medical intake, clearly explain what your duties involve and under what conditions you work — this helps the doctor determine whether the assessment applies to your position.
What does the Working at Height (WAH) assessment include?
The WAH assessment is not a separate medical, but an extension of the NL Offshore Medical Examination. It consists of three parts:
The standard NL offshore medical,
A fitness test at ERT level (minimum VO₂max of 35 ml/kg/min), and
Additional checks specific to working at height — including balance, mobility and physical strength.
The examining doctor evaluates your general health, vision, hearing, lung function, shoulder width, and BMI, and checks that you have full mobility in your neck, shoulders and limbs.
Your body weight must also remain within the safety limits of fall-protection systems (guideline: max ±130 kg).
An ECG is required at the first assessment and from age 40 onward.
Your new certificate at a glance
If you have been assessed for Working at Height, this is explicitly stated on your medical certificate. It includes:
Confirmation that you were assessed for Working at Height
Whether you were declared fit or not fit
The validity period of the assessment
The maximum validity is two years for workers under 50, and one year from age 50.
This entry is separate from your overall offshore fitness but clearly shows what tasks you are medically approved to perform.
How to prepare for your working at height assessment
When scheduling your appointment, let your clinic know that you work at height — so the doctor can include the additional assessment.
During the intake, describe your work conditions clearly.
Bring your ID, a list of current medications (if applicable), and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement.
Your doctor will perform the assessment according to the established criteria and discuss the outcome with you directly.
In summary
If you work offshore at height — for example in wind operations, rope access or inspection work — the Working at Height assessment is now an official part of your NL Offshore Medical Examination.
It includes:
the regular offshore medical examination,
An ERT-level fitness test, and
Specific checks for physical ability, balance and safety at height
This ensures your medical fitness aligns with your role — helping you work safely in demanding offshore environments.
What to do
When making your appointment, indicate that you work at height so that the physician knows that the additional assessment applies. During the intake, it is important to properly explain your work activities. Bring a summary of your medications, if applicable, and wear clothing in which you can move around easily.
The doctor applies the assessment according to the established criteria and discusses the result with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about working at height
1. Is Working at Height part of every NL Offshore Medical?
No. It only applies to workers whose job routinely involves work above 2.5 metres with fall protection.
2. Who needs this assessment?
Anyone who regularly works at height (≥2.5 m) — for example in offshore wind, rope access, or inspection work on installations or platforms..
3. What does the doctor assess?
General health, vision and hearing, lung function, shoulder width and BMI; an ERT-level fitness test (VO₂max ≥35 ml/kg/min); plus checks for balance, joint mobility and safe operation at height. An ECG is required at the first assessment and from age 40.
4. What happens if my weight exceeds the equipment limit?
If your weight exceeds the certified limit (around 130 kg), you’ll receive a not fit for WAH outcome. In this case, working at height is not permitted, and exemptions are not possible.
5. How long is the assessment valid?
Two years if you’re under 50, one year if you’re 50 or older. The validity for Working at Height is listed separately on your certificate.
6. Do I still need a G41 medical?
No. If you’ve been assessed for Working at Height within your NL Offshore Medical, a separate G41 is no longer required.
7) Do I need to prepare or bring anything special?
When booking your appointment, mention that you work at height. Bring your ID and, if applicable, an up-to-date medication list. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for light physical effort during the fitness test.
8. Will Working at Height appear on my certificate?
Yes. Your certificate will show that you were assessed for WAH, the fit/not fit result, and the validity period.
Written by Sven Daam, ILT-, OEUK- and ElementNL-certified medical examiner specialising in maritime and offshore health assessments.
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