Pre-Employment Physicals: What They Are and What To Expect
If you're being considered for a new job, the employer may ask you to complete a pre-employment physical. While there are several types of pre-employment evaluations employers require, a pre-employment physical helps them determine how well qualified you're to physically perform the responsibilities required for the role. Learning what to expect during a pre-employment physical can help you feel more prepared for the process you will go through.
In this article, we discuss what a pre-employment physical is, what to expect during a pre-employment physical and how a pre-employment physical is different from a human performance evaluation.
What is a pre-employment physical?
The physical examination is a medical examination. Employers may require new employees to pass a test to ensure they are physically or mentally fit to do the job. Pre-physical training is a common step for many companies in the hiring process, especially if they want to ensure that the employee is physically able to perform work-related tasks. Depending on the nature of the position, the physical hiring process may take more or less time.
Preoperative wellness allows companies to assess the overall health of potential employees so they can make informed hiring decisions. It also makes tracking easier, as the company can better track changes in employee health over time.
What to expect during a pre-employment physical
What you can expect in the pre-employment physical will depend on the job you are offered, as the purpose of the post-physical is to assess your suitability for that particular role. It is important that the person conducting the test fully understands the requirements of the job in order to assess whether you can safely perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.
You should anticipate during the physical to:
1:Be asked about your family medical history, your lifestyle and other general health questions
2:Have your weight, height, blood temperature and other vital information taken
3:Be given a physical examination
4:Be screened for rugs and alcohol, especially if the position requires you to operate heavy machinery or drive
have your vision and hearing checked
Pre-employment physical vs. human performance evaluation
While they are both designed to evaluate an employee's abilities, there are some key differences between a physical and a human performance evaluation (HPE).
Professional conducting exam
Physical exams are usually done in health centers and are performed by licensed medical professionals. In contrast, HPE is usually a licensed practitioner. In both cases, the auditor must fully understand the needs and expectations of the company in order to determine whether the candidate can meet those standards.
Focus of evaluation
Another important difference between HPE and Physical Concern is the emphasis on assessment. Physical work is designed to assess candidates' general health, but HPE focuses more on skills needed for everyday life and specific tasks. Performance reviews can also help employers reduce or eliminate some of the risk factors that can lead to workplace injuries.
