Wondering why you should take pre-employment medicals? In this article, we share everything you need to know to get started.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Pre-employment medicals, as the name suggests, are mandatory health assessments when you apply for a job in Australia. Also known as pre-placement medicals, these examinations screen a candidate’s physical. It is done to ensure they can perform the duties of the specific job role safely and effectively. Here is all you need to know about pre-employment medicals.
Why Take Pre-employment Medicals?
There are several reasons why this examination is necessary during the job application process. Firstly, all jobs carry some risk. Hence, medical assessments help employers identify potential health conditions that could compromise the safety of the candidate or others in the workplace. Pre-employment medicals also help assess a candidate’s ability to perform essential job functions, such as lifting heavy objects or working long hours.
What Happens During a Pre-employment Medical?
Candidates will usually have to answer questions about past and present health conditions, surgeries, medications, lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption), etc. This may be followed by a physical examination that can include an assessment of your
- Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature)
- Body Mass Index to assess weight-related health risks
- Vision: Screening for visual acuity, colour vision, and need for corrective lenses.
- Hearing: Testing your ability to perceive sounds at different frequencies.
- Musculoskeletal: Assessing your range of motion, strength, and joint issues.
You will also be asked to provide a sample for urinalysis to screen for diabetes or kidney problems. Other tests include
- Spirometry (lung function test): A lung capacity test to screen for respiratory conditions like asthma or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Drug and alcohol screen (DAS): This test may involve a urine sample, saliva swab, or breathalyser to detect recent drug or alcohol use.
- Work fitness assessments: These comprehensive evaluations assess a candidate’s physical capabilities to perform specific job tasks safely. It is often required for physically demanding roles.
Depending on the industry and potential hazards, additional screenings like X-rays or ECGs might be required (e.g., for mining or electrical work).
Booking Your Appointment
Australia has no set rule on who pays for the pre-employment medical. The common practice is for the employer to pay for pre-employment medicals. It is especially for high-risk and physically demanding jobs.
Some employers may ask the candidate to cover the cost upfront and reimburse them later. Booking a pre-employment medical is often straightforward. In either case, your potential employer may suggest a clinic or occupational health provider. You may then make an appointment online or via phone.
Things to Remember
Australian pre-employment medicals are guided by anti-discrimination legislation. This means employers cannot use the medical assessment to discriminate against candidates based on protected attributes like disability. The medical evaluation should focus solely on the capacity to perform the job safely and effectively.
How Logic Health Can Help
At Logic Health, we offer a streamlined pre-employment medical process for employers. With a wide network across Australia, we offer workplace medical solutions that keep your organisation compliant and your employees safe. Contact us today to learn more about pre-employment medicals.
