Employment Physicals
The goal of the employment physical is to determine whether or not the prospective employee is capable of performing duties and demands of the job. Many employers require an employment physical 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, drug testing and mental health assessments.
Employment examinations and tests include:
- Pre-employment physicals
- Drug and alcohol screening
- Health risk assessments
- Mental health assessments
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.
A physical examination benefits both the potential employee and the employer. Employers are assured that the employee is physically fit for the job, and employees can be assured of safe and appropriate assignments in the workplace.
Additional Resources
