Which specialist performs a fitness to work assessment?

The specialist reviews your medical history, current treatment, functional abilities, and the tasks involved in the role. The assessment may consider lifting, driving, working at height, exposure to heat or chemicals, shift patterns, or safety-sensitive decisions. The outcome can describe fitness for the stated duties, recommended adjustments, or a need for further information; it is not a general judgement about your health.

Take the job description, workplace risk information, relevant medical letters, medicine list, and details of any restrictions already advised. Explain what happens during a typical shift and which tasks cause difficulty. Tell the specialist what information may be shared with your employer. They usually need work-related functional information, while private clinical details may not be necessary for the workplace report.

A work assessment should not replace urgent treatment. Get immediate help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness, or a serious injury. If a health problem is worsening or affects your ability to work safely, contact your treating clinician and explain the specific task affected.

Ask which job duties will be considered, what documents are needed, whether a work simulation or focused test is relevant, and when restrictions should be reviewed. Clarify who receives the report and how you can discuss its recommendations.