Any business must have a team that is skilled and in good physical shape. Besides, keeping your employees healthy is just as vital as ensuring they are at the top of their game professionally. As a result, you may rest assured that your workers will be healthier and more productive. And this is where pre-employment physicals come in handy.

There are several valid reasons for companies to undertake pre-employment medical exams. For some companies, it’s essential to ensure workers can meet the physical requirements of the position. Others may do so to reduce health insurance premiums by excluding applicants who have preexisting ailments. Still, some believe pre-employment physicals help foster a healthy environment and reduce accidents or injuries.

For whatever reason, it seems that pre-employment health checks are mandatory in today’s modern business. The good news is that this article provides a comprehensive overview of the value of doing pre-employment evaluations.

Understanding Pre-employment physicals

The term “pre-employment physicals” or “pre-employment evaluation” refers to a company’s initial medical examination or checkup of a potential employee.

The purpose of a pre-employment physical exam is to determine whether or not the applicant is physically and mentally capable of performing the position’s duties.

Types of pre-employment physical

The contents of a pre-employment examination are very context-dependent, changing with each particular job and company. Basic physicals are acceptable for seasonal, transitory, and light-duty employment. Occupational health clinics and walk-in clinics are familiar places to get a physical.

Here are some of the categories of assessments:

Image alt text: Employer testing potential employee before hiring.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York from United States of America, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Physical examination

Before employment, candidates will have their vitals checked to ensure they are fit for the job at hand. The screening team will measure heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems as part of the hiring process.  

Medical History

An exhaustive medical history will be required of the applicant, covering everything from childhood diseases to recent operations to prescription treatments and any chronic problems they may have.

Laboratory Tests

Lab testing on a potential employee may be necessary, depending on the nature of the position and your company’s standards. A blood test or a drug screening are two examples of tests that could fall under this category.

The following further tests may be necessary:

Drug test: Including a drug test in a pre-employment physical is subject to your company’s policy and any applicable legislation.

Evaluation of physical capacity: Candidates may be asked to demonstrate their physical ability and fitness level by completing tests and exercises designed to evaluate their preparedness for the job.

Checkups for your eyes and ears: Having adequate vision and hearing is a prerequisite for many occupations. A candidate’s hearing and eyesight may be evaluated during the hiring process.

Importance of Pre-Employment Physicals

Even one mishap in the workplace can have severe consequences for a company. The costs are considerable regarding money and morale due to medical expenses, time lost from work, the paperwork associated with workers’ compensation, and so on.

Preventing injuries is the best method to save money in this regard. Pre-employment physicals are required for the following five reasons:

Early Detection of Health Problems

A pre-employment physical exam aims to spot any health problems before becoming more severe and, thus, more challenging to treat. Put another way, this can assist workers in getting the medical care they need to be healthy and in the workplace. It also helps you both avoid the expenses that come with more significant health problems.

Some diseases and disorders manifest with few or no outward signs. And sadly, most individuals, particularly younger people, don’t get annual physicals. Inadequate immunizations, high blood pressure, and other health problems can all be uncovered during these checkups.

Ensure Personnel Are in Good Health to Carry out Their Duties

Heavy lifting, prolonged standing, and other physically demanding activities are commonplace in the workplace. Besides, candidates who cannot pass a pre-employment physical may not be able to handle the physical requirements of the work.

For instance, if you consider a job application where heavy lifting is a requirement. An applicant’s inability to lift large objects due to a preexisting condition would be disclosed to the employer before hiring them. Employers can then determine if the candidate still meets their requirements for the post or if they should continue their search.

Reduce the Possibility of Workplace Injuries

Having prospective employees be checked out medically before being hired helps reduce accidents on the job. Hiring individuals in peak physical condition reduces the likelihood of workplace injuries.

A person who isn’t physically fit for the job could damage themself if they have trouble making the job’s physical demands, such as moving heavy objects, standing for long periods, or sitting for long periods.

In other words, screened workers will have fewer cases of occupational injuries. Injury-related absences are reduced, and companies spend less on healthcare.

Encourages a Lifestyle Centered On Health and Fitness

Some companies may require pre-employment fitness screenings in an effort to foster a more health-conscious work environment. Employers can motivate their staff to better care of their health by mandating annual physicals.

A healthier and happier workforce means cheaper healthcare costs for the company. Furthermore, by doing pre-employment physicals, companies can learn of any health issues with a new hire before they start working with that person. As a result, businesses can take measures to address employees’ worries and head them off before they escalate.

For Conformity with National or State Laws

Therefore, pre-employment physicals may be required by federal or state legislation and are sometimes required by employers. In the healthcare industry, for instance, many employers require prospective workers to undergo a physical examination before being hired.

Even if it’s not mandated by law, some companies still require prospective workers to pass a physical exam. It could be that the organization has a strict safety policy or that the job itself is dangerous. For instance, a corporation that needs workers who can handle big goods may opt to perform physical exams on prospective workers.

Getting an employee physical before starting work can reduce your risk of being sued over poor workplace incidents. If it is determined that a preexisting condition exacerbated an employee’s accident or illness, you may be shielded from responsibility for their treatment.

Substance misuse and the requirement for simple assistance like hearing aids can both be uncovered by a thorough medical exam. It’s crucial if the position requires driving or operating potentially dangerous machinery.

Streamlining the Hiring Procedure

The time it takes to fill a position can seem interminable at times. Employers can save time by having potential workers undergo a physical examination before hiring. Positions requiring strenuous activity, such as lifting hefty objects, will benefit the most from this. In the long term, businesses will appreciate the time saved by avoiding interviews with unfit candidates.

Improves Your Brand

Injuries on the job can also result in costly litigation or settlements, which can negatively impact the company’s finances and reputation.

Besides, taking an interest in the well-being of your workers, both existing and prospective, shows that you value them as people and as an asset to the company. It would demonstrate the importance of other factors besides financial gain. In addition, it acts as a magnet for top talent that values more than monetary compensation.

Conclusion

It’s crucial to know why pre-employment physicals are done, whether you’re a potential employer considering setting them up or a candidate preparing to go through with one.

There are a variety of motivations for companies to undertake pre-employment medical examinations. There are occasions when this is necessary due to legal constraints, when the nature of the work necessitates it, and when the business just wants to ensure that its workers are in good health. Be sure you know what will be examined and why before agreeing to pre-employment physicals.