The transportation, logistics, and warehousing industry is essential to the movement of goods and the functioning of the global and local economies. Employees in this sector often perform physically demanding tasks and operate vehicles, machinery, and equipment under time pressure, long or irregular working hours, and high safety expectations — making occupational health medicals a critical component of risk management and legal compliance.

Occupational health in transport, logistics, and warehousing is more than a regulatory requirement — it is a shared responsibility that protects employees, road users, and business operations. From drivers and forklift operators to warehouse staff and logistics personnel, medical fitness for work plays a vital role in reducing workplace injuries, vehicle incidents, fatigue-related accidents, and occupational disease.

Employee health has a direct impact on safety, productivity, and operational continuity. Regular occupational health medical surveillance and examinations help ensure employees are medically fit for their specific job roles — both before employment and throughout their employment, as well as upon exit. To support a risk-based and compliant medical assessment, the Employer must complete a Man Job Spec Form, detailing the employee’s job-related risks and exposures, and submit it together with the Employee/ Patient at the time of the occupational health medical examination.

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Download the Transport, Logistics, or Warehouse Occupational Health Guide now to learn more about the occupational health risks, recommended medical surveillance, biological monitoring, and essential Critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for each transport, logistics, and warehouse-related role.

Download Transport Health Guide
Download Logistics Health Guide
Download Warehouse Health Guide

Industry regulations that determine which medicals to complete include:

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (OHSA) – Requires employers to conduct risk assessments, provide medical surveillance, and maintain a safe working environment.
  • National Road Traffic Act, No. 93 of 1996
  • Railway Safety Regulator Act, 2002
  • Driven Machinery Regulations (DMR)
  • Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations (2003) 
  • Hazardous Chemical Agents Regulations (2021) 
  • COID Act (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases)
  • General Machinery Regulations
  • Construction Regulations, 2014 (If Warehousing Involves Construction-Related Activities)

In addition, transport workers often don’t work a 9-5 day, and their atypical working hours can lead to health issues such as long-term fatigue, insomnia and digestive problems. Infectious and exotic diseases are also a concern for long-distance drivers.

Transport workers, especially drivers, are typically exposed to:

  • Prolonged sitting or standing, repetitive movements and carrying or moving heavy loads, all of which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, especially back problems.
  • Whole-body vibration, which can lead to serious musculoskeletal disorders and affect vision and coordination.
  • Noise, which can lead to hearing loss.
  • Inhalation of toxic vapours and fumes, such as diesel and road dust, which can cause respiratory problems.
  • Stress because of crime, road rage and aggressive customers, which can have many negative mental and physical health effects and lead to absenteeism.
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The transport, logistics and warehousing sector is a high-risk and stressful working environment. The combination of working at high speed to tight deadlines requires high-performing employees who are fit, healthy and focused. Employers are encouraged to include a general wellness component in their occupational safety and health programmes. Education is also important to combat issues such as substance abuse and the spread of HIV/ AIDS and to encourage healthy habits while driving long distances.

By law, a professional driver in South Africa needs:

  • a valid medical certificate of fitness to operate. This must be obtained before employment and applies to many other employees in the transport sector too.
  • In addition to a full medical examination with eye and audio tests, our occupational health practitioners will screen for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and epilepsy.
  • We can also perform a drug strip test to rule out intoxicating substances.
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By law, transport workers fall into three categories, all requiring a medical certificate of fitness:

  1. General – limited risk exposure to dust, noise or hazardous chemicals.
  2. Risk-Based – exposure to dust, high levels of noise.
  3. Driver – operators/ drivers of heavy vehicles.

The following chart shows the tests that are completed for each category:

General Risk-Based Driver

Baseline Questionnaire (medical and family history)

Weight

Height

Blood Pressure

Urine

Glucose

Audio Screening

Spirometer / Lung Function

Snellen Eye

Keystone Eye

Risk-Based Questionnaire

Biological Monitoring (additional cost)

Drug Strip (additional cost)
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Ready to ensure compliance and protect your workforce? If you have questions about our medical assessments, need help determining which category your employees fall into, or are ready to schedule a medical, we’re here to assist. Fill in the form below, and one of our occupational health Sales Executives will get back to you promptly. We are ready to take the next step in becoming Your Partner in Workplace Health.

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