Medical Clearance Certificates: When Might You Need One

Thousands of workers get injured every year in Australia, which can often lead them to spend months away from their jobs. Workers most at risk of getting injured at work are labourers, community and personal service workers and machinery operators and drivers. For all these occupations, it is imperative that a worker is able to perform their job at their full capacity to prevent further injuries and issues from occurring.

But returning to work after an injury isn’t always that easy, especially if the injury was serious. And for physically demanding jobs, returning to work before you are fully healed can often exacerbate the injury, causing serious issues in the long run. This is why getting a medical clearance certificate, also known as a certificate of capacity, from a licensed doctor who understands the demands of the job often becomes necessary. But an injury is not the only reason why you might need a medical clearance certificate. Here are some more times it might be required:

Clearance certificate for flying

While most people are able to fly without needing a medical certificate, some conditions, such as recent hospitalisation, injury or surgery, chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, pregnancy after the 28th week or with complications, and more. The full list of conditions can be found on the websites of the airline you are flying with.

Most airlines do not accept medical clearance certificates that are dated more than 15 days prior to the date of your flight and many have their own certificate templates. It is always a good idea to get in touch with your airline before booking a ticket if you believe you have a condition that may prevent flying.

Clearance certificate to return to sport

Players who get injured while playing a sport, or contract an illness must show a medical clearance certificate before they are permitted to return to training or participate in games. Some of these conditions include, any form of cardiac problem, fractures, concussions, unconsciousness, neck injuries, measles, chicken pox, any form of influenza, diabetes, asthma and any injury that causes the player to miss more than a week of absence.

Clearance certificate to drive

Certain conditions may require a doctor to medically clear you for driving. This may include visual impairment, risk of stroke or heart conditions, diabetes, severe head injury, epilepsy, seizures, sleep apnoea, dementia or any other physical or mental disability. You are legally required to disclose any medical condition that may prevent you from being a safe driver in order to get licensed, and to notify the relevant authorities if you are diagnosed after you have already received your license.

Clearance certificate to return to work

In the event that an employee misses more than a week of work due to an illness or injury, such as any form of influenza, heart attack, fracture, anxiety due to work related stress, or any other illness that can prevent them from performing their duties, or make it unsafe for them to be on site, an employer may ask to see a medical clearance certificate before permitting the employee to return to work.

Get your medical clearance certificate online

Whether you need a doctor’s certificate for sick leave, or a medical clearance certificate to help you return to work or sport, or to fly or drive, Prime Medic makes it easy for you. With a simple 6 step process, you can get a medical certificate from a licensed, highly-qualified doctor the same day without having to drive down to a clinic. Simply login to your account, choose the type of certificate you require, your choice of doctor and time of consultation, fill in a questionnaire, pay the fee and get your certificate after a video consultation.