Pre-Employment Health Assessments are an important part of the recruitment process for many Australian businesses, particularly in roles where there are physical and psychological demands. Whether you are an employer who is looking to include pre-employment health assessments within your recruitment process or you’re a candidate preparing to attend one, you likely have some questions. In this blog, we will cover the most common pre-employment health assessment FAQs.
Who pays for a pre-employment health check?
The cost of a pre-employment health assessment is typically covered by the employer/referrer. However, in some cases, the candidate may be responsible for payment depending on the agreement made prior to the assessment.
How long is a pre-employment health assessment?
The duration of the pre-employment assessment can range between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the specific requirements outlined by the employer.
When will the assessment report be available?
Recovery Partners sends the assessment report to the employer/referrer within 24 hours of the assessment. After receiving the report, the employer will contact the candidate and proceed with the next steps in the recruitment process.
What happens during a pre-employment health assessment?
The assessment may include:
- A general health check (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, hip-waist ratio, BMI)
- Functional capacity testing (e.g., lifting, squatting, cardiovascular fitness testing)
- Drug and alcohol screening
- Vision and hearing tests
- Review of medical history
The specific components of the assessment are determined by the nature and requirements of the role, ensuring relevance to the physical and functional demands of the job.
Can you perform bulk health assessments onsite?
Yes, Recovery Partners can conduct bulk onsite health assessments, which is ideal for large-scale recruitment or workforce onboarding.
Can assessments be tailored to our company’s needs?
Yes, all pre-employment health assessments can be customised depending on the specifications of the role and industry requirements to ensure relevance and accuracy.
Do I need to bring anything to my assessment?
Please bring a valid form of ID, wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity and ensure that you have completed the consent form that will be sent to you prior to your appointment.
Do I need to fast before the assessment?
Fasting is not required unless specifically instructed. If fasting is necessary, you will be informed ahead of time.
Can my doctor issue a medical certificate if I have high blood pressure?
Yes. If you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions, it is necessary to obtain clearance from your GP before attending the assessment.
What drugs are screened during the assessment?
The standard drug screening includes:
- Methamphetamine
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- THC (Cannabis)
- Benzodiazepines
- Morphine
How reliable are pre-employment health assessments?
Pre-employment health assessments are conducted by qualified professionals and are designed to provide a reliable snapshot of a candidate’s physical capacity at the time of testing.
The results of the functional assessment specifically reflect the candidate’s physical capacity as assessed on the day by the practitioner. The assessment will provide useful insight into the candidate’s suitability for the physical demands of the role.
How long is a pre-employment health assessment valid for?
The validity of a pre-employment health assessment varies depending on the employer’s policy.
Who conducts a pre-employment health assessment?
Assessments are performed by qualified allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and exercise physiologists.
Are there privacy concerns with these assessments?
No. Candidates are required to provide informed consent before the assessment. All medical information is securely stored and handled in compliance with privacy regulations.
Which industries commonly require pre-employment health assessments?
Industries that often require these assessments include:
- Aged Care & Support Services
- Airport Ground Handling
- Construction
- Maintenance Staff
- Manufacturing
- Security Services
Does undergoing a health assessment mean I got the job?
Not necessarily. The health assessment is just one part of the recruitment process. The final hiring decision is made by the employer based on multiple factors and not solely on the health assessment.
Who can access my health records?
Only the employer and Recovery Partners’ internal team involved in the assessment process have access to your health records, and only with your consent.
Do I have to attend a pre-employment health assessment?
Yes. If requested by the employer as part of the recruitment process, attending the assessment is required to proceed with your application. Please note that failure to attend your assessment may incur a cancellation fee.
Does Recovery Partners conduct Pre-Employment Health Assessments?
Yes, Recovery Partners provides Psychological and Physical Pre-Employment Health Assessments to business across Australia.
Want to find out more?
Our services are available nationwide. Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
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Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/