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Current standards being used by Occupational Health and Welfare

The body composition standard is set at the obese range, so being moderately overweight is acceptable but an aspiration to meet the standard in the future is not acceptable.  Clearly since this can be corrected refusal on the basis of body composition will not be a bar to applying to future competitions.  On some occasions applicants may be able to carry out the role currently and for a reasonable period but may have an increased risk of ill health retirement in the future.  Adjustments to the pension benefits with regard to ill health retirement may have to be made but this is no longer a bar to recruitment.

Current standards being used by Occupational Health and Welfare are as follows:

Vision
  • Binocular vision 6/6 aided or unaided (if visual aids are used must have 6/12 or better in best eye)
  • Unaided acuity 6/36 binocularly
  • Near vision N6 aided or unaided
  • Normal visual fields
  • Sever colour deficiency not acceptable
Body Composition Standard
Body Mass Index (BMI)Body composition >30 applicant does not meet standard
and
Body fat>5% above predicted maximum does not meet standard
and
ExaminationAppears overweight on medical assessment.
HearingHearing standard - Hearing loss of more than a total of 84dB over the 0.5 - 1.2 KHz range or more than a total of 123 dB over the 3,4 and 6 KHz range in both ears is unlikely to be suitable.  When one ear is affected or when aids may overcome the difficulty further assessment will be required to identify possible adjustments.

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