The Purpose of an Employment Physical

Many employers require a pre-employment physical exam to assess whether a job candidate is physically and mentally fit for the role. These exams help ensure new hires can meet the general health and physical requirements associated with their job responsibilities. In addition to physical assessments, these evaluations may include psychological testing, drug screening, and mental health assessments.

The primary goal of an employment physical is to determine whether the prospective employee is capable of safely performing the physical demands of the job. These evaluations also promote a safer workplace by reducing the risk of job-related injuries. If an individual has non-essential physical limitations, the exam may help identify opportunities for reasonable workplace accommodations.

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Employment Physicals and Testing

Employment-related physical examinations are often required for regulatory and compliance purposes. These evaluations are commonly mandated by agencies such as:

  • Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • HazMat (Hazardous Materials)

To meet these requirements, individuals must undergo a medical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. In addition to regulatory exams, common employment-related health evaluations include:

  • Pre-employment physicals
  • Drug and alcohol screening
  • Health risk assessments
  • Executive physicals
  • Fitness-for-duty examinations

Fitness-for-duty exams are especially important for workers returning after medical leave. These exams determine whether an employee is fully recovered and able to return to work safely, or if any restrictions or modifications are necessary.

What to Expect During an Employment Physical

Employment physicals may vary depending on the role and industry, but they typically include a review of the individual’s medical and occupational history, followed by a series of physical and diagnostic tests.

Common components of the exam include:

  • Vision testing
  • Hearing test
  • Pulmonary function testing (PFT)
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Height and weight check
  • Physical abilities tests (PATs)
  • Cardiovascular evaluation
  • Drug screening

In addition, blood and urine tests may be conducted, and specific tests may be tailored to the physical requirements of the job in question.

Benefits of Employment Physicals

Employment physicals offer mutual benefits for both the employer and the employee. Employers gain the assurance that the candidate is physically capable of handling job demands, helping to reduce workplace injuries and improve safety. Meanwhile, employees benefit by receiving assignments that are suitable for their physical capabilities, fostering a healthier and more supportive work environment.