Which specialist performs occupational health screening?

The clinician considers the duties, hazards, and physical or mental demands of a role alongside your health information. Depending on the job, screening may include a history, examination, vision or hearing checks, lung assessment, or review of required immunisations. The exact assessment is set by the role and the employer’s occupational health process.

The purpose is to identify whether support, adjustments, monitoring, or further assessment may be needed for safe work. It is different from a general check-up because the findings are considered in the context of a specific workplace.

Take the job description or screening request, bring relevant medical information, and list regular medicines, previous work injuries, and any workplace exposures. Answer questions accurately and explain symptoms that could affect the proposed duties. Ask who will receive the report and how recommendations will be communicated.

Occupational screening is not a replacement for urgent treatment. Seek prompt medical care for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness, or a serious injury, even if a workplace assessment is scheduled. Tell the occupational clinician about ongoing symptoms so they can advise whether the assessment should proceed or whether another review is needed.

Ask which parts of the assessment apply to the role, whether you need to bring records, and whether a current condition may require workplace adjustments. Clarify the difference between fitness advice and a diagnosis or treatment plan.