Employers conduct pre-employment physicals for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include ensuring that the employee is physically able to do the job, detecting any potential health risks, and minimizing the company’s liability in an accident.
This blog post will discuss the top five reasons why employers conduct pre-employment physicals. We will also provide some tips on preparing for a pre-employment physical.
What Is A Pre-employment Physical
Pre-employment physicals are a type of examination used to determine if an applicant is physically and mentally able to perform the duties of a job. Many employers require their employees to undergo a pre-employment physical before starting work. This ensures that the employee can safely perform the job’s essential functions.
There are many different types of pre-employment physicals, but they all have one common goal: to ensure that the employee can perform the job safely. The most common type of pre-employment physical is a general medical examination. This exam will check the applicant’s overall health and look for any red flags that might indicate a health problem that could impede their ability to do the job.
Other types of pre-employment physicals may include tests for specific conditions or abilities. For example, a police officer applicant might have to undergo a vision test to make sure they can see well enough to drive a patrol car. An airline pilot applicant might have to take a hearing test to ensure they can hear radio transmissions.
Pre-employment physicals are an important part of the hiring process for many employers. They help ensure that the employee is physically and mentally able to perform the job duties safely. If you have an upcoming pre-employment physical, ask your doctor or other healthcare providers any questions you may have about the exam.
What To Expect During A Pre-employment Physical
There are four steps of pre-employment physicals: the medical history, the physical examination, the psychological evaluation, and the drug test.
First things first, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork. This will include information about your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking. Be as honest and accurate as possible – this information will help your doctor determine what tests you’ll need to take.
They will also ask about your past and present health conditions and any allergies. They will also ask about your family medical history. This information is important because it helps the employer determine if you are at risk for any health problems that could affect your ability to do the job.
The next step is the physical examination. The employer will check your height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. They will also check your vision and hearing. They may also do a skin test for tuberculosis.
The third step is the psychological evaluation. This is usually done by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The evaluation will include questions about your mental health, work history, and personal life. The employer wants to make sure that you are emotionally stable and able to handle the stress of the job.
The last step is the drug test. The employer will test your urine for drugs, including alcohol. They want to make sure that you are not using drugs that could affect your job performance.
Pre-employment physicals are important for both the employer and the employee. They help ensure that the employee is healthy and able to do the job. They also help to identify any health risks that the employee may have. If you are offered a job, be sure to ask about the pre-employment physical to be prepared.
Why Employers Conduct Pre-employment Physicals
Employers conduct pre-employment physicals for a variety of reasons. Some employers want to ensure that their employees are physically able to perform the essential functions of their job. Other employers use pre-employment physicals to screen out applicants with chronic health conditions that could potentially increase health insurance costs. Still, others see pre-employment physicals to promote a culture of health and wellness within their organization. Whatever the reason, pre-employment physicals are becoming increasingly common in today’s workplace.
Here are five reasons why employers conduct pre-employment physicals:
- To ensure employees are physically able to perform the essential functions of their job
Many jobs require employees to lift heavy objects, stand for long periods, or perform other physical tasks. Pre-employment physicals can help employers identify applicants who may not be able to meet the job’s physical demands.
Let’s say an applicant is applying for a job that requires lifting heavy objects. If the applicant has a pre-existing condition that would prevent them from being able to lift heavy objects, the employer would be made aware of this before hiring the applicant. This way, the employer can decide if the applicant is still qualified for the position or if they need to look for someone else.
- To screen out applicants with chronic health conditions
Pre-employment physicals can help employers identify applicants who have chronic health conditions that could potentially increase health insurance costs. Employers can save money on their overall health insurance premiums by identifying these applicants early on.
In addition, pre-employment physicals can also help employers identify applicants who may need accommodations in the workplace. For example, an applicant with a chronic condition may need to use a special chair or flexible work schedule. By identifying these needs early on, employers can make the necessary accommodations before the applicant starts work.
- To promote a culture of health and wellness
Some employers see pre-employment physicals to promote a culture of health and wellness within their organization. By requiring all employees to undergo a physical, employers can encourage their employees to take steps to improve their overall health.
This, in turn, can lead to lower health care costs for the organization and a more productive workforce. Additionally, by conducting pre-employment physicals, employers can identify any potential health concerns an employee may have before starting working. This allows employers to take steps to address these concerns and prevent them from becoming a bigger problem down the road.
- To comply with state or federal regulations
In some cases, employers must conduct pre-employment physicals demanded by state or federal law. For example, many healthcare organizations must conduct pre-employment physicals for all applicants.
Some employers choose to conduct pre-employment physicals even when they are not required by law. This may be due to the nature of the job or the company’s safety policy. For example, a company that requires its employees to lift heavy objects may choose to conduct physicals to ensure that applicants are physically able to do the job.
While state and federal laws may require employers to conduct pre-employment physicals in some cases, there is no general legal requirement that all employers must do so. However, an employer who chooses not to conduct physicals may be at a disadvantage when attracting and hiring the best applicants. Many job seekers view pre-employment physicals as a positive sign that the company is committed to safety and health. Therefore, an employer who does not conduct physicals may have a harder time convincing job seekers to apply for positions at the company.
- To streamline the hiring process
The employment hiring process can be long and drawn out. By incorporating a pre-employment physical, employers can help to speed up the process. This is especially beneficial for positions that require heavy lifting or other strenuous activities. By weeding out applicants who are not physically fit for the job, employers can save time in the long run.
It’s important to remember that pre-employment physicals are not just about strength and stamina. They are also about identifying any potential health concerns that could impact an employee’s ability to do their job. For example, a pre-employment physical might reveal that an applicant has diabetes, which needs to be managed with medication or lifestyle changes. By identifying health concerns early on, employers can help their employees stay healthy and productive.
Whether you’re an employer considering conducting pre-employment physicals or an applicant who is about to undergo one, it’s important to understand why employers conduct these exams. Pre-employment physicals can benefit both employers and employees by ensuring that employees are physically able to perform their job, screening out applicants with chronic health conditions, promoting a culture of health and wellness, and reducing workers’ compensation costs. Understanding the reasons behind pre-employment physicals can help you make the most of this important process.
How To Prepare For A Pre-employment Physical
To ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your pre-employment physical, there are a few things that you can do ahead of time.
First, make sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on the day of your appointment. Second, be sure to wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily. Third, it is a good idea to bring a list of any medications you are currently taking. Lastly, remember to relax and take deep breaths throughout the physical.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are many reasons that employers might conduct pre-employment physicals. Sometimes it is required by law, sometimes the job is too physically demanding, and sometimes the employer just wants to be sure that their employees are healthy and able to work. If you are asked to take a pre-employment physical, make sure you understand what is being tested and why. It could save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.
Here at EG Health, we believe that everyone has the right to good health and wellness. We offer various services to help you achieve your desired level of health, including pre-employment physicals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay healthy and happy in the workplace.