Many employers require employment physicals to determine the suitability of an individual for a job. A pre-employment physical exam may be requested to ensure new hires are physically capable of performing their work and meet general health standards. Employment examinations may include physical examinations, health inquiries, psychological tests, drug testing, and mental health assessments. These exams compare the health of the potential employee with the expected demands of the job, to ensure that the individual is fit to do the job.

The goal of the employment physical is to determine whether or not the prospective employee is capable of performing the physical demands of the job. The physical also intends to enhance safety at the workplace, and minimize the risk of work site-related accidents. If a prospective employee has some physical issues that are not essential to the job, the employment physical also allows the employer to make proper accommodations for the employee.

Employment Physicals and Testing

Employment physical examinations are often regulatory and compliance examinations for:

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

These physical examinations are often required by the federal government and employees must pass a medical evaluation conducted by a healthcare professional prior to employment. Additional employment examinations and tests include:

Fitness-for-duty examinations are also performed to medically evaluate the ability of a worker to return to duty after a medical leave. This examination can help to determine if the employee is fully able to perform the job or if any restrictions or accommodations may be necessary to protect the employee and employer.

The Employment Physical

Employment physicals may include exams tailored to the specific needs of a workplace. Prior to the examination, the patient’s complete medical and occupational histories are reviewed and the physical examination commonly includes the following:

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

Blood and urine tests are also administered. Some tests are tailored specifically to evaluate the physical requirements that are essential for the job.

Occupational Health

Pre-employment Physicals can be required by certain employers to ensure that employees can safely carry out job duties that may be strenuous mentally and/or physically. Physical examinations can include, physical assessments, psychological tests, and drug and alcohol screening. Any examination should directly reflect the jobs an applicant will be required to perform. Employees may also be required to have reoccurring physicals if health and/or fitness is a job necessity. It is important to consider state and federal laws that cover employees against disability discrimination.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug and Alcohol policies and programs play a major role in pre-employment screening and testing throughout employment. It is important to have an up-to-date and well-drafted Drug and Alcohol Policy that effectively communicates your existing processes to your workforce. Aside from your policy, staying compliant with OSHA and your state and federal laws is necessary for your program to be effective. Determining what processes work best for you requires an in-depth understanding of your drug and alcohol program options.

Physical Ability Testing

Physical ability test determines if an individual’s current physical standings fit the demands of the job. In manual and physical labor sectors such as construction, it is imperative to ensure that you are not creating wear and tear on your employee’s bodies that they cannot withstand. Physical tests should consider what an employee’s body will be put through on a typical workday to ensure that safety is the number one priority. Tests can measure muscle strength and tension, flexibility, stamina, endurance, balance, and mental toughness under physical strain.

While some physical tests may require electronically monitored machines, equipment machines are usually kept straightforward. For individuals to get properly tested, clinics need to have the right equipment. For example, the presence of a treadmill to conduct a stamina test. Additionally, for positions that required upper and lower body strength, employees may have to demonstrate how much they can physically lift.