FAQs
After several rounds of interviews, a medical check is often the final hurdle to overcome before you begin your new role! A medical assessment may sound never-wracking, but it is the easy part.
Any questions about your medical assessment as a candidate? Find answers below to give you clarity about why tests are necessary, what your employer is looking for and what you need to prepare when you go for your assessment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What is a medical pre-employment assessment? Why do I need to undertake one?
Medical Pre-Employments are an essential part of the recruitment/reviewing process. They enable employers to hire suitable candidates and keep employees meeting health and safety demands. Assessments are an effective way to lessen the risk of future injuries to yourself and others and to ensure a safe, productive workplace for employees managing existing conditions.
Roles with heavy physical demands have legislative requirements employees must meet, such as the oil and mining industry, heavy vehicle and disability support.
What is involved in an assessment?
Pre-employment medicals vary depending on the job requirement. Typically, they include a basic physical examination, psychological screening and aptitude test to ascertain where you are suitable for a role. The process starts with:
* Optional assessment based on employers’ requirements
- A Comprehensive Health Examination with a Review of Medical History
As a candidate you will fill in and answer a comprehensive medical questionnaire that covers your past and present health condition, injuries, disabilities, vaccinations, health and fitness lifestyle. Any false information is provided, it can compromise safety and create a risk in the workplace.
- Clinical Examination
Generally, a clinical examination consists of assessing your cardiovascular, respiratory, blood pressure and body mass index. If a role is within a high task setting, ECG (electrocardiogram) and pathology test are required to test for heart rhythms, electrical activity, diabetes or to determine whether you’ve been exposed to harmful levels.
- Functional Assessment
A physical examination assessment that determines your ability to meet physical requirement tests. Also, assess musculoskeletal fitness and a range of motions, such as grip strength, positional tolerance, lifting, carrying capacity and cardiovascular fitness.
- Spirometry/Lung Function Capacity *
Assesses how well your lungs work by measuring how much air they inhale, how much they exhale and if it is too quick. The test diagnoses asthma, pulmonary disease and other conditions that affect breathing.
- Audiometry/Hearing Test *
The test measures hearing ability in different frequencies, pitches and sounds – helps identify hearing loss.
- Vision Test
Determines your visual acuity, colour perception and the potential requirement for corrective lenses.
- Urinalysis *
To detect and manage disorders such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes.
- Drug and Alcohol Test *
Employers are legally obligated to eliminate and manage risks associated with drug and alcohol mucus as part of the WHS Act 2011. The test requires samples in a cup/saliva swab. Test results are instant or the chemical DAS is assessed by the lab.
- Specific Pathology and X-ray Test *
High-risk roles may require pathology tests such as ECG, lead test, Hb1ac and ILO chest x-ray
BEFORE THE ASSESSMENT
When is my assessment?
Once you have been referred by your employer, communicate with our admin team to discuss your availability and to arrange a booking that best suits you. Call us on 8186 2424 to book now or to discuss your upcoming booking.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to fill in your health questionnaire.
Can I reschedule my booking?
If you cannot make it to your appointment, please call us within 24 hours to avoid a late cancellation fee.
Do I have to make a booking? Can I walk in?
We do not accept walk-ins. It is advised that you confirm a booking with us if you have been referred to by your employer. Contact us at 8186 2424 to discuss your booking.
Where will the assessment take place?
Your appointment will be at our Morphett Vale clinic, 241 Main South Road, Morphett Vale, SA 5162. Ample parking is available. If your employer has coordinated onsite or in-house testing, you will be made aware of it.
DAY OF THE ASSESSMENT
What will I need to bring to the assessment?
A water bottle is recommended as functional assessments involve a few physical testing components. For vision tests, if you wear glasses, please bring them with you. Likewise, if you wear contact lenses, please ensure you can take them in and out (bring solutions if you require them). If you are asthmatic, please bring your inhaler or medication with you – it may be required for spirometry testing. Additionally, drug and alcohol assessments require a urine or saliva sample, ensure you can provide an adequate sample.
What should I wear?
We advise that you wear comfortable clothing and enclosed footwear (e.g. sneakers or work boots).
How long does the assessment take?
The time taken to complete your medical assessment depends on how many tests are required. Our assessments can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours – this is only an estimated time frame and not a guarantee.
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT
How will I know if I passed the assessment?
A pre-employment medical cannot be passed or failed. Medical Pre-employment assessments are an essential part of the recruitment and reviewing process, the assessment indicates if a candidate meets the physical demands for the role as well as identifying risk factors for the employer to consider – especially in high-risk industries. Your employer will receive a report and recommendations after your assessment to summarise your suitability for the specific job role based on your health and physical abilities.
When will my employer receive the assessment results?
Within 24 hours, a report will be sent to your employer of HR. Please note that reports requiring pathology assessments will take up to 7 days. For any red flags or emergency situations, such as a non-negative drug and alcohol test, your employer will be notified immediately.
A pre-employment medical can feel overwhelming. Remember, it is there to protect you and your potential colleagues and to ensure you feel safe and supported in your new role More questions? Do not hesitate to contact us today at (08) 81862424 or email us at medicals@epsa.net.au
