When companies think about recruitment, they often focus on job ads, interviews, and finding the right person with the right skills. However, there’s another part of the hiring process that is just as important but sometimes overlooked—occupational health. Ensuring that your new hires are physically and mentally fit for the role is key to creating a productive, safe, and long-lasting workforce.
An important part of this process is the pre employment medical, a health check designed to assess whether a candidate is fit to perform the tasks required by the job. Including occupational health and medical checks in your hiring process can protect both your business and your employees in the long run.
What Is Occupational Health?
Occupational health focuses on the well-being of employees in the workplace. It involves assessing the impact of work on health and the impact of health on work. The goal is to reduce risks, prevent work-related injuries or illnesses, and support employees so they can stay productive and healthy.
When it comes to hiring, occupational health assessments such as pre employment medicals help ensure that new employees are physically and mentally capable of performing their job safely and effectively. A pre employment medical is a health assessment done before a candidate officially joins your team. It may include a general physical examination, review of medical history, and tests related to the physical demands of the job—such as hearing or vision checks, functional capacity tests, and drug and alcohol screening.
These checks are not about discrimination. They are about making sure your workplace stays safe and that your new hires are set up for success.
Why You Should Include Occupational Health in Your Hiring Strategy
1. Workplace Safety
The top reason to include occupational health in recruitment is safety. If someone is not physically fit for a role, it could put them and others at risk. For example, a job that requires lifting heavy loads or working at heights is not suitable for someone with back problems or poor balance. A pre employment medical helps identify these issues early, allowing you to make informed decisions.
2. Reduce Costs from Injuries and Absences
Workplace injuries can be expensive, both in terms of medical costs and lost productivity. If an employee is injured on the job and it turns out the role was beyond their physical abilities, this could lead to compensation claims or legal issues. Identifying risks before hiring helps reduce the chances of such problems. In the long run, this also reduces absenteeism, sick leave, and staff turnover.
3. Build a More Productive Team
Employees who are physically and mentally fit for their roles are more likely to perform well and stay with the company. When people feel comfortable and supported at work, they are more productive and engaged. By assessing fitness for duty before hiring, you are creating a stronger, more capable team.
4. Tailor Support for New Hires
Sometimes a pre employment medical reveals minor issues that don’t stop a person from doing their job but may require adjustments. For example, someone may need an ergonomic chair for a desk role due to a history of lower back pain. By knowing this in advance, you can make small changes that help employees settle into their roles with comfort and confidence.
5. Meet Legal and Regulatory Requirements
In Australia, employers have a legal obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act to provide a safe workplace. One way to meet this duty of care is through occupational health assessments. For roles in industries such as mining, construction, logistics, and healthcare, pre employment medicals are often expected or even required by law or insurance providers.
Common Tests in a Pre Employment Medical
Not every job requires the same tests. The type of medical check should match the physical or mental demands of the role. Some common components include:
- General health history review
- Vision and hearing tests
- Musculoskeletal assessments
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Functional capacity evaluations
- Mental health screening (where relevant)
These tests provide a clear picture of the candidate’s ability to handle the physical or mental challenges of the role safely.
How to Implement Occupational Health in Recruitment
To include occupational health as part of your recruitment strategy, consider the following steps:
- Review Job Requirements: Understand the physical and mental demands of each role so you can choose the right type of medical check.
- Partner with a Medical Provider: Work with an occupational health provider that understands your industry and can offer tailored assessments.
- Get Candidate Consent: Be transparent with candidates about the process and make sure you get written consent before any assessment.
- Handle Data Confidentially: Health information is sensitive. Make sure all data is stored securely and only shared with authorised personnel.
- Act on the Results Responsibly: Use the results to support better hiring decisions—not to discriminate. If adjustments are needed, work with the employee to find a solution.
Occupational health, including the use of pre employment medicals, is an essential part of building a safe and effective workforce. It helps protect your employees, reduce risks, and improve productivity across the board. For employers who want to invest in the long-term health of their teams and reduce costly setbacks, including occupational health in the recruitment process is a smart and responsible step.
By making health assessments a routine part of hiring, you show that your company values safety, well-being, and professionalism—and that’s a message that benefits everyone.
