Pre-Employment Medicals: What Employers and Employees Need to Know

Dr Bishoy Marcus
3 days ago
3 min read

When hiring new staff, employers want to ensure they are selecting candidates who are fit for the role—not just in terms of skills, but also health and safety. That’s where pre-employment medical assessments come in. These assessments are a common part of the recruitment process across many industries in Australia, particularly in roles that involve physical demands, safety risks, or compliance with workplace regulations.

In this article, we’ll explore what pre-employment medicals are, why they’re important, what’s typically included, and what both employers and candidates should expect.

What is a Pre-Employment Medical?

A pre-employment medical is a health assessment conducted before an individual starts a new job. It is designed to evaluate whether a candidate is medically fit to perform the duties of the role safely and effectively. The assessment is not about excluding people unnecessarily—it is about ensuring workplace safety, identifying potential risks, and supporting both the worker and employer in preventing injuries or complications.

Why Do Employers Require Pre-Employment Medicals?

Employers request these assessments for several reasons:

Workplace Safety – To reduce the risk of accidents or injuries, especially in high-risk environments like construction, mining, transport, or healthcare.
Legal Obligations – To comply with workplace health and safety legislation and demonstrate due diligence.
Matching Worker to Job – To ensure the candidate’s physical and psychological capacity aligns with the demands of the role.
Preventing Future Claims – To identify pre-existing conditions that may need to be managed, helping reduce the risk of workers’ compensation claims.

What’s Included in a Pre-Employment Medical?

The exact components of a pre-employment medical vary depending on the role and industry. For example, an office job may only require a basic check, while a heavy manual role may involve more comprehensive testing. Common components include:

Medical History Review – To identify any past or ongoing health issues.
Physical Examination – General health check including height, weight, blood pressure, vision, and hearing.
Functional Capacity Testing – Assessing strength, flexibility, balance, and ability to perform physical tasks relevant to the role.
Drug and Alcohol Testing – Often required in safety-critical industries.
Specialist Tests – Depending on the role, this may include spirometry (lung function), audiometry (hearing tests), or ECGs (heart function).

Candidate Rights and Confidentiality

It’s important to note that pre-employment medicals must be conducted ethically and fairly. Candidates should be reassured that:

Medical information is confidential and shared only with relevant decision-makers.
Employers should only request assessments relevant to the inherent requirements of the job.
A medical assessment cannot be used to discriminate unlawfully against a candidate.

What to Expect as a Candidate

If you’ve been asked to complete a pre-employment medical:

Be Honest – Provide accurate medical history, as dishonesty may cause issues later.
Prepare for Testing – Wear comfortable clothing and bring any glasses, hearing aids, or medications you use regularly.
Understand the Purpose – The assessment is not a “test to pass or fail” but rather a check to ensure safety and suitability for the role.

Benefits for Employers and Employees

Employers gain confidence in hiring candidates who are fit for the role and reduce risks in the workplace.
Employees benefit from early identification of health issues, tailored support, and safer working conditions.

Conclusion

Pre-employment medicals are a vital part of maintaining safe, healthy, and productive workplaces. They protect both employers and employees by ensuring that new hires can meet the physical and psychological demands of their roles. When handled properly, these assessments create a foundation for long-term workplace health, safety, and success.