It has become increasingly important to take care of your health before going to work since the COVID-19 outbreak. People are more aware of the dangers of spreading the disease if they arrive at work feeling sick.
However, the risk of contracting a respiratory infection at work is not the only concern. Some jobs could put lives at risk if you are not physically fit to perform your job. If you're going to be hired, you should undergo pre-employment physical testing.
What's a Pre-Employment physical?
It is important to hire the best candidate for a job opening. This is especially true if the job requires a lot of physical work or if there are concerns about the health and well-being of the candidate. These cases are where it is crucial to ask potential hires to take mental and physical ability tests. This is especially true for fire and police departments, where the job demands and stresses can be extreme.
The DOT physical is one of the most popular pre-employment physicals. Regular physicals are necessary to ensure that people who have a commercial driver's licence are in good physical, mental and emotional health to do their job safely.
The HPE (Human Performance Evaluation) is an alternative to having potential employees undergo a full physical exam. Although this test is not usually performed by a doctor, it covers many aspects of a candidate’s mental and physical fitness.
Employers may allow pre-employment physicals to be performed. However, employers can also use other forms of medical testing to assess the health of their employees. Some tests, such as DOT physicals, must be done regularly throughout the employment period. Random drug testing is allowed for employees to ensure a drug-free workplace. Be sure to look over your state's laws regarding screening–here are the Denver drug testing guidelines for an example.
It is very difficult to administer physical exams to assess a job candidate's health. To pass this type of exam, candidates must be familiar with the limitations and requirements of the workplace. These exams are slightly different from an annual physical so many employers look for medical providers who regularly perform these types of tests.
Pre-Employment Screening Discrimination
It is crucial to prevent discrimination in hiring. There are rules governing this under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employers are prohibited from discriminating in employment under this legislation for a variety of reasons. The ADA prohibits discrimination based upon gender, ethnicity or other factors. However, health concerns may be more complex.
Potential employees are not permitted to be assessed by employers for their medical history or physical abilities. Some jobs require a certain physical ability and some job requirements are very demanding. The role of HPEs and physical exams is to identify areas where a person’s mental, physical, or potential addictions to alcohol or drugs could put them or others at risk.
What's Included in a Pre-Employment Physical Exam?
The type of job you are applying to will determine what you will be tested for during your pre-employment physical. A battery of tests will typically be administered in addition to a basic medical examination. These tests can cover many aspects of your mental and physical health as well as drug testing in certain cases. Among the most common tests that will be done are:
- Basic vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature are important.
- Abdominal checkup that includes digestive, liver and other organ health
- lung and heart exam
- Skin examination is a good way to detect potential signs or issues that could be a sign of an underlying disease.
- Drug and alcohol screenings
- Vision testing
- Audiometry or hearing conservation
- Testing for TB
- Blood tests and other laboratory tests
Can You Fail a Pre-Employment Physical?
The ADA requires that employers make reasonable accommodations for employees with physical limitations. These accommodations are subject to certain limitations. Pre-employment physicals are required to make sure that a new hire is able to perform the job for which they are applying. It is possible for someone to fail a pre-employment physical if they do not meet the job requirements.
A candidate may fail a pre-employment physical (HPE) for many reasons. However, failing a drug and alcohol test is often the reason they do not pass. This is especially common in jobs that require driving or using heavy machinery, where sobriety can be a major concern.
A few items are suggested for prospective employees to bring to an exam in order to make sure it goes smoothly. You can bring any hearing aids, glasses, or other assistive devices. It is also helpful to have records of any medical conditions, surgeries, or allergies that you may have, as well as current medications. It's also a good idea if you have paperwork that details specific tests that will be required for the new job.
Where can you get pre-employment physicals test done
PCP Works offers more than pre-employment physicals test when it comes to working with businesses to empower employees and protect employers. Employer services can create a culture that promotes well-being in the workplace. Businesses can help employees stay healthier by making sure they receive the proper care for their job and work environment. Contact them today to learn more about their employment testing service as well as other services.
