Does occupational medicine perform pre-employment medicals?

The appointment usually begins with your work history, medical history, current medicines and any relevant symptoms. The clinician may check hearing, vision, movement, vital signs or other functions linked to the role. The exact assessment depends on the job: driving, manual handling, shift work, laboratory exposure and work at height can each create different health considerations. A pre-employment assessment is not a general declaration that a person is healthy; it focuses on safe participation in specified duties and whether workplace adjustments may help.

Take the employer's referral or job description, identification requested by the service, a list of medicines and relevant medical reports. Bring glasses, hearing aids or other usual aids if you use them. Answer health questions accurately, including previous injuries and conditions that could affect the proposed work. Ask how results will be shared and which parts are sent to the employer. The clinician can explain whether further information or a follow-up assessment is needed.

Arrange prompt medical care rather than waiting for an employment assessment if you have chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness, confusion or an acute injury. These symptoms need clinical attention on their own. Tell the occupational clinician about ongoing symptoms such as recurring dizziness, uncontrolled pain or sleepiness that could affect alertness at work, even if they are not urgent.

Which duties will the assessment consider? Do I need to bring previous reports or test results? Will you recommend adjustments or restrictions? What information will be sent to my employer, and when should I expect the outcome?