The Importance of Pre-Employment Physical Exams

Physical exams are required by many employers today.  If it is a job that does not involve much physical activity, then there is little reason to require a physical. However, if the job requires any of the following then a physical may be appropriate:

*Working at heights which are elevated (ex: working on ladders)
*Physical exertion (ex: walking long distances, climbing)
*Heavy lifting (ex: equipment, boxes)
*Having to discern colors (ex: color-coded wire)
*Safety warning response (ex: alarms, lights)

Pre-employment exams and testing are important because employers are responsible for protecting their company against false claims, protecting employees from injuries and protecting customers and other co-workers from injury.

It is not necessary for a pre-employment physical exam to cover a job candidate's complete medical history.  When an employer decides a pre-employment physical exam is needed, their priority should be to focus only on what is relevant to the position.

In addition to a physical exam, a drug screening may also be involved, where a urine sample from the job applicant is taken and then sent to a lab or special facility to be tested. If an applicant does not pass the pre-employment drug screen, they are usually not considered for employment.  A pre-employment drug screen can usually detect the presence of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and more.

Allegheny Medical is a preferred panel provider for hundreds of companies, municipalities, and school districts throughout the tri-state area.  For more information on their WorkCare offerings, including pre-employment physical exams and drug screens, please call (412) 494-4550 today.