Doing an extensive pre employment medical test when applying for a job can be a bit daunting. Why do companies ask you for this, and what are they checking for? What if the test found that you have some health issues or an old injury, will it make you less hireable than other applicants?
If you’ve been asked to take a medical, you should be thankful since it’s one of the last steps that companies take to recruit you. Aside from that, you will know if you have a medical condition that needs to be addressed and get added benefits like flu vaccination. Are you still stressed out? Read more to find out!
Why Do Employers Require Medical Checks?
The first reason why employers do this is to assess risks. Good employers want to take care of their employees, and it includes knowing what health risks both prospective and current employees have. By doing a medical exam, employers can manage these risks to avoid inflicting injury or illness to current employees and applicants.
For example, suppose you are applying for a job in fields such as healthcare, senior care, laboratories, and emergency/essential services. In that case, flu vaccinations are required to protect yourself and the people that need your service. Most applicants are vaccinated during a pre employment medical exam if they haven’t received their annual flu shot.
The second reason is some jobs are legally required and need to meet the guidelines set by national standards for coal miners, truck drivers, rail workers, etc. The medical exam is used to determine whether you are suitable for the position and the working environment. By doing so, companies can guarantee that you won’t pose a significant risk to yourself and your future co-workers once you are hired.
What Are Tests Involved in A Medical Exam?
Pre-employment medical exams can include varying aspects depending on the job that you’re applying for and the company itself. But most of them require you to fill out a health assessment form. You will also go through a series of tests supervised by a healthcare professional.
These are some of the most common steps involved in most medical exams:
·Medical examination: This step will monitor your blood pressure, vision, and check various organs like the heart, spine, etc. It can also involve sugar, blood, and urine tests. Also, you may be asked to strip to your undergarments.
·Work fitness assessment: This step is usually needed for jobs in remote and hot environments and physically demanding jobs. You should wear loose-fitting clothes and closed shoes (i.e. running shoes) to perform this test.
·Other assessments: You may also be asked to have a chest x-ray, blood tests, alcohol breath test, urine drug test, hearing test, manual handling assessment, fitness test, etc. Some companies also ask their employees to have flu vaccination during the test.
What Will Happen If The Test Detected A Health Issue?
The pre employment medical test is not intended to treat health conditions that you currently have. Instead, the healthcare professional supervising the assessment will refer you to your GP if it is necessary. But employers are legally bound not to “fail” potential candidates because of past injuries, disability, and health conditions if it can’t affect your performance for the job.
