What is a pre-employment medical?
A pre-employment medical is a health assessment requested by an employer to check whether a person can safely perform the duties of a particular job. The tests involved depend on the role and its physical or health requirements.
If you’ve been asked to complete a pre-employment medical, this guide explains which tests may be involved, what to bring and how the results are used.
In This Article:
Common Medical Assessments
A pre-employment medical isn’t the same for every job. An office-based role may have different requirements from a position involving heavy lifting, machinery, driving or exposure to noise.
Depending on the employer’s instructions, an assessment may include:
Medical History Review
Questions about your medical history, current medications, previous injuries and conditions relevant to the duties of the job.
Physical Examination
Checks may include blood pressure, movement, strength or other physical abilities relevant to the position.
Hearing Assessment
A hearing test may be requested for roles involving workplace noise or particular hearing requirements.
Vision Assessment
Vision may be checked for roles involving driving, machinery or tasks requiring specific visual abilities.
Lung Function Testing
Spirometry may be included where respiratory fitness is relevant to the work or workplace exposures.
Your assessment should reflect the actual demands of the job. Depending on the requirements, a GP at Trident Medical Centre may review your medical history and perform a physical examination.
Appointment Preparation
Before attending, check your employer’s instructions. Some assessments require specific preparation, while others involve a medical history review and examination.
Pre-Employment Medical Checklist
Select each item as you complete your preparation before attending your appointment.
At the appointment, you’ll generally be asked about your medical history before completing the tests requested for your role.
Allow enough time for the assessment and ask the clinic about the expected duration when booking.
Can You Fail a Pre-Employment Medical?
It’s not about passing or failing. An existing health condition doesn’t automatically mean you’re unsuitable for a job. The assessment considers your health in relation to the duties and requirements of the position. Some findings may lead to further assessment or recommendations.
Conditions and Results
Be accurate about your medical history, including medications, injuries and existing conditions. This helps the assessing practitioner understand whether any findings are relevant to your work.
After the assessment, the practitioner may provide a fitness-for-work opinion, recommend further testing or identify work-related restrictions. The process depends on the assessment requested.
Health information is sensitive. Before your appointment, clarify what information will be provided to your employer and how your results will be handled. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner explains Australian privacy requirements for health information.
Information for Employers
Pre-employment and fitness-for-work assessments should reflect the actual requirements of the position. An office worker, delivery driver and warehouse employee may need different checks.
Before arranging an assessment, employers should provide or confirm:
- Position details: Job title, main duties and physical demands.
- Workplace risks: Relevant hazards, such as noise, machinery or manual handling.
- Assessment requirements: Any specific tests or medical standards relevant to the role.
- Documentation: Required forms, reports and arrangements for receiving results.
These details help the assessing practitioner determine the appropriate checks, whether for a new recruit or an existing employee returning to work.
Arranging a Pre-Employment Medical at Trident Medical Centre
Trident Medical Centre in Officer provides an Occupational Health Assessment including pre-employment medicals and fitness-for-work evaluations.
Book online, or contact the clinic to discuss your employer’s requirements and arrange an appointment.
