The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) have announced a new two-step approach when assessing colour vision deficiency (colour blindness)
Until now, the commonly used Ishihara test has been used to assess train drivers and other safety-critical roles. This test uses a series of coloured plates with numbers or patterns in dots.
This test can identify colour vision deficiency, but not what the level of colour loss is.
Following new research, a new detailed Colour Assessment (CAD) test will now be taken by anyone failing the Ishihara test.
The new CAD test will determine the degree of deficiency, and could allow up to 47% of those who fail the Ishihara test to be able to a safety-critical role.
“For years, people with minor colour blindness have not been able to work in safety critical jobs on the railway. This could be discriminatory, breaching equality law, by preventing capable people from being considered for employment.
“Our research has identified a more thorough testing process to establish if someone with colour blindness can safely perform a role. We are now changing medical Standards to implement this new fairer testing system, giving more people an opportunity to join the railway family.”
Luisa Moisio, RSSB’s Director of Research
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