Why is a medical assessment required?

The Importance of Assessing Risks in the Workplace
Employers need to assess a candidate's ability to perform a job safely to minimise the chances of illness or injury to the candidate or their co-workers. This involves ensuring that the candidate doesn't have any medical issues that could put them or others at risk in the workplace.

Understanding Legal Requirements
Certain jobs come with specific legal requirements and standards that must be met. For instance, professions like Commercial and Heavy Vehicle driving and Rail Safety Workers have national medical standards that candidates must meet to ensure their ability to perform the job safely.
By simplifying the process of assessing risks and understanding legal requirements, employers can create a safer working environment for everyone involved.

What does a pre-employment examination involve?

Different roles within an organisation will necessitate specific components of the pre-employment examination process based on the individual's role and workplace. At a minimum, you will be expected to provide photo identification, complete a health assessment questionnaire, and undergo a medical examination.

Medical Examination
In some cases, a comprehensive medical examination may be required. This examination will cover various aspects of your health, including blood pressure, vision, heart condition, abdomen, limbs, and spine. Additionally, your urine may be tested for sugar and blood.

Work Fitness Assessment
For physically demanding positions or those in remote and hot environments, you might be asked to participate in a work fitness assessment, also known as a functional capacity or musculoskeletal assessment. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothing and closed shoes, preferably runners, for this assessment.

Other Assessments
Depending on the nature of the job, supplementary assessments may be conducted. These assessments may include an x-ray, blood tests, urine drug screen, audiometry (hearing test), spirometry (lung test), manual handling assessment, fitness test, and ECG (electrocardiogram).
By tailoring the pre-employment examination to each specific role and workplace, we aim to ensure that prospective employees are fit for the responsibilities they will undertake.

What happens if a health issue is identified?

When undergoing a pre-employment medical assessment, it is important to note that the purpose is not to treat any health issues that may be identified.
The practitioner will provide you with a referral to your usual medical practitioner should this be required.

More Information on drug & alcohol testing

Prescribed medications like codeine, ADHD medications, Viagra, anti-depressants, and sleeping tablets are the main culprits behind non-negative drug test results. If you are currently taking any prescription-only medications in Australia, make sure to bring the medication container or packaging that shows the prescribing practitioner and the pharmacy details. Alternatively, you can provide a dated note from your regular medical practitioner or pharmacist, dated within the last 12 months and confirming your eligibility to use these products.
Another common cause of non-negative results in drug and alcohol screenings is the use of over-the-counter and pharmacy-only medications. These are typically used for ailments like headaches, back pain, allergies, common colds, coughs, and other common conditions.

While less common, the use of steroid or hormone creams on the skin can also lead to a non-negative result. To minimise the chances of a non-negative result, we advise candidates to avoid using the aforementioned items in the days leading up to a pre-employment examination. However, if these medications are necessary or inadvertently consumed, it is crucial for candidates to inform the examiners about what was used and when prior to the drug and alcohol screening.

Lastly, it is important to note that cannabis can be detected in your system for a few days after occasional use and several weeks after regular use.

Do I need to be completely honest about past injuries?

Yes. It is important that you are honest with your answers to the medical history questionnaire.

What else should I be aware of?

Preparations for Your Medical Assessment
Wear Your Essentials: If you rely on spectacles, contact lenses, or hearing aids, make sure to bring them with you to your medical assessment. These are essential for accurate examination and diagnosis.

Comfortable Clothing: It is advisable to wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing for your medical assessment. Closed-in shoes, preferably runners, are recommended in case you are asked to undergo a work fitness assessment.

Prevent Hearing Test Interference: To ensure accurate audiogram results, it is crucial to avoid exposure to loud noise for at least 16 hours before your medical assessment. This includes staying away from industrial work sites, loud music, and aircraft travel.

Lung Function Test Possibility: In some cases, a spirometry (lung function test) may be required during your assessment. If this is the case, please refrain from smoking before the examination or while you are waiting.

On the Day

It is important that you prepare for your pre-employment medical. Here are some tips that will assist you prior to your appointment:

• Do not drink more than normal fluids as dilute urine will be rejected as untestable. We recommend limiting yourself to about 250ml of water in the hours prior to your drug and alcohol test sample collection.

• Arrive at the times specified in your booking confirmation (sufficient time to complete your paperwork has been allowed).

• Wear closed in shoes for your own safety.

• Bring photo ID so we can verify your identity.

• Be accompanied by a parent/guardian if under the age of 18.

• Wear exercise clothing so you can move around comfortably during the assessment.

• Females please wear appropriate garments/underwear for examination of chest, heart and lungs.

• Bring prescription glasses in preference to contacts (we need to check both corrected and uncorrected vision).

• Bring any prescription medication you are taking, including Ventolin or any other asthma medication.

• Allow enough time to complete all of your assessments. Some take longer than others so if you are worried about timing, please call us on (08) 8520 8282 to confirm how long you should allow.

• Do not consume caffeine 8 hours prior to your appointment.