The benefits of pre-employment health assessments for employers
The pre-employment journey is a critical phase for both employers and candidates, as it sets the foundation for a successful and safe working relationship. To optimise this process, businesses are turning to occupational health service providers like Bodycare to manage the pre-employment journey of candidates. Not only does Bodycare offer a streamlined, hassle-free pre-employment process, it also ensures compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
What is a pre-employment health assessment?
A pre-employment health assessment refers to a medical evaluation or examination that is conducted on a candidate before they are officially hired by an employer. The primary purpose of such assessments is to ensure that the prospective employee is physically and mentally fit to perform the duties required for the job that they are applying for. These assessments are a common practice in many industries and are designed to protect the health and safety of employees and to assess whether an individual can meet the physical and mental demands of a specific job.
Assessments look at numerous body functions, such as:
The results of these assessments often indicate if a potential employee will be fit to perform their job safely and effectively.
Moreover, employers cannot use pre-employment health assessment information to discriminate against a potential candidate. By law, an employer cannot refuse to employ a person based on medical examination results that disclose a disability if the information is not related to how competently the person could safely perform the job requirements¹.
What industries require pre-employment health assessments?
At Bodycare, we see these pre-employment health assessments as a first line of defence – a way of understanding the potential risks a candidate may introduce into the workplace.
While pre-employment health assessments are typically conducted across a wide range of industries, they are regularly performed in the following sectors:
- Aged care
- Aviation
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Labour hire
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Transport, warehouse, and logistics.
Who conducts pre-employment assessments?
Pre-employment health assessments and recommendations are provided by experienced occupational health physiotherapists and medical professionals.
How can Bodycare help your business with pre-employment health assessments?
With a wealth of expertise and experience in occupational health, Bodycare partners with specialists to ensure rigorous testing and accurate recommendations. These professionals, combined with our expert team, provide you with holistic, end-to-end support.
Interested in our services? Here are some reasons why employers should engage with Bodycare for pre-employment health assessments:
Compliance assurance
Occupational health and safety regulations are our bread and butter. We can ensure that all assessments pass legal requirements, so you don’t have to worry about potential employer liabilities.
Time efficiency
Streamlining the pre-employment period is what we do best. Bodycare can save you time and energy, as our team is trained to manage all necessary health assessments and screenings.
Cost savings
Managing the assessment process internally can be costly and time-consuming. Outsourcing assessments is therefore likely to be more cost-effective in the long term.
Tailored solutions
We don’t believe in a cookie-cutter approach. We create customised solutions to meet your unique needs, ensuring that assessments align with the job requirements and are up to industry standards.
Noticeable reduction in staff turnover
Our pre-employment health assessments can identify candidates with potential health concerns that could impact their job performance; thus, reducing the risk of high staff turnover.
Employee health improvements
We address health issues early in the recruitment process. Being aware of these health issues can help businesses to better support their employees, which can lead to healthier, more productive employees and a more honest and open workplace environment.
Enhanced safety measures
Checking that potential candidates meet health and safety regulations from the get-go can lead to a safer work environment and minimise the occurrence of workplace accidents or injuries.
Legal backup
Our rigorous assessments give you crucial documentation that can help your employees against claims related to workplace injuries or health issues.
Safety culture reputation
Showing your employees that you care about their health, safety, and general wellbeing from the get-go can enhance your reputation; helping you to attract and retain high-calibre, hardworking employees.
In an age characterised by extended work hours and heightened physical and mental challenges, it has become increasingly important to prioritise the selection of individuals joining your workforce. Choosing candidates capable of safely fulfilling the essential duties of their positions serves as the cornerstone of a sustainable injury prevention strategy.
As one of Australia’s leading providers of occupational health services and solutions, Bodycare’s pre-employment health assessments are delivered through a clinical network across Australia and New Zealand.
Contact us today to learn more about our pre-employment health assessment services.
