Pre-Employment Medicals: What to Expect at Your Appointment
What is a pre-employment medical?
A pre-employment medical is a health assessment requested by an employer before or during the recruitment process. It checks whether there are any health or safety considerations relevant to the work you’ll be doing.
The assessment depends on the role, workplace risks and your employer’s requirements.
If you’ve been asked to complete one, the next question is usually what will happen at the appointment. Some assessments are quite simple, while others include additional testing specific to the job. This guide explains the process, what you may need to bring and what happens afterwards.
Your pre-employment medical at a glance
1. Before your appointment
Find out what assessment is required for the role and whether there are any instructions to follow beforehand.
2. Medical assessment
You’ll usually be asked about relevant medical and work history, followed by an examination based on the requirements of the role.
3. Role-specific testing
Depending on the job, your employer may request additional tests or assessments.
4. Results and next steps
Once the assessment is complete, the required medical documentation or results can be provided as appropriate.
What happens at the appointment?
Your doctor will work through the assessment requested for your position. This generally starts with relevant medical and work history, followed by the examination and any additional testing required for the role.
This is why two people attending pre-employment medicals may have quite different appointments.
The requirements can vary according to the physical demands of the job, workplace risks and the information the employer needs.
Medical and work history
You may be asked about relevant medical conditions, previous injuries, medications and work history where these relate to the assessment.
Physical examination
A clinical examination may form part of the medical, with the assessment guided by the requirements of the position.
Drug and alcohol testing
Sale Medical Centre provides drug and alcohol checks. These may form part of a pre-employment assessment when requested by an employer.
Other role-specific assessments
Some positions have additional medical requirements. Your employer should advise what assessment is required for the role before your appointment.
Different jobs place different demands on workers, so the focus of a pre-employment medical can vary between industries.
Oil and gas
Depending on the role and work environment, an assessment may consider:
- physical demands of the position
- relevant medical history
- workplace and safety requirements
- drug and alcohol testing where required
- other testing requested for the role
Agriculture
For agricultural roles, the assessment may consider:
- physical demands of the role
- relevant medical and occupational history
- workplace-specific health risks
- Q fever screening and vaccination where relevant
Rail
Sale Medical Centre provides Category 1, 2 and 3 Rail Medicals. The medical required will depend on the worker’s role and the applicable rail safety requirements.
Trades and construction
Depending on the position, the assessment may consider:
- physical requirements of the role
- relevant injuries or health conditions
- work environment and duties
- employer-specific requirements
- drug and alcohol testing where required
Transport and logistics
The assessment may vary according to:
- the type of position and duties
- physical demands
- relevant health considerations
- workplace safety requirements
Working overseas
Some jobs involving overseas travel may have additional health requirements. Sale Medical Centre also provides malaria kits where appropriate for people travelling overseas for work.
What happens after your pre-employment medical?
Once the assessment is complete, the required results or documentation are provided according to the employer’s process. Medical information should be handled confidentially and relate to the requirements of the role, as outlined by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The medical is one part of the recruitment process, with the final employment decision made by the employer.
What should you bring and how should you prepare?
Start with any instructions provided by your employer or Sale Medical Centre, as requirements vary between assessments.
Depending on what has been requested, it can be useful to have:
- photo identification
- paperwork or forms supplied by your employer
- details of medications you currently take
- relevant medical information requested for the assessment
- any glasses, contact lenses or other aids you normally use
If your assessment requires any specific preparation, follow the instructions provided beforehand.
If you’re not sure, please feel free to get in touch with us.
Pre-employment medicals at Sale Medical Centre
Pre-employment and occupational health medicals have long been part of the work we do at Sale Medical Centre, including assessments for workers and employers across local industries.
If you require a medical, you can book online at Sale Medical Centre or view our Occupational Health and Pre-Employment Medicals information to organise the appropriate assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a pre-employment medical take?
It depends on the assessment your employer has requested. An appointment involving additional testing will generally take longer than a basic medical assessment.
Do I need to prepare for a pre-employment medical?
Follow any instructions supplied by your employer or the clinic. Preparation depends on the type of assessment you’ve been asked to complete.
What should I bring?
Bring any employer paperwork or instructions, photo identification and any medical information you’ve specifically been asked to provide.
Will I need a drug and alcohol test?
Not necessarily. Drug and alcohol testing may be requested for some roles or workplaces, but it isn’t automatically part of every pre-employment medical.
Who receives my results?
This depends on the assessment and arrangements made for your pre-employment medical. You should be advised how the relevant results or documentation will be handled.
Does passing the medical mean I have the job?
No. A pre-employment medical is one part of the recruitment process. The employment decision is made by the employer.