Understanding Pre-Employment Medical Examinations: Are They Necessary for All Jobs?

Pre-employment medical examinations (PEMES) have become a topic of debate in industries across the world, particularly in countries like Australia and New Zealand. These examinations are conducted to ensure that employees are physically and mentally fit for the job. However, questions arise when PEMEs are demanded for roles that do not necessitate such rigorous health checks. In this article, we will explore the necessity of PEMEs, their purpose, and examine if they are overkill for certain jobs.

PEMEs: A Necessity or Overkill?

Across Australia, it is common for some industries, such as aviation, trucking, and construction, to require PEMEs due to the inherent safety risks associated with the jobs. However, for simpler, lower-level positions, such as sweeping construction site floors, general cleaning, and factory work, demanding PEMEs can be seen as an unnecessary burden. In these cases, a simple drug and alcohol test may suffice for short-term, low-level labor positions (up to 4 hours).

The demand for PEMEs by labor hire firms in Australia for jobs that last only a few hours is often seen as overkill. Similarly, in New Zealand, basic laboring jobs like factory work do not typically require PEMEs unless the job involves transport, such as flying planes, driving trains, or operating ferries.

What Do PEMEs Involve?

A pre-employment medical examination typically includes a medical history, a brief physical examination, and a drug screen. These comprehensive tests help in determining if the employee is medically fit for the job. Here's a breakdown of what a typical PEME might cover:

Complete Medical / Physical Examination

Medical history Brief physical examination Drug screen

Laboratory Investigations

Complete Blood Count (26 parameters) Blood Sugar (Fasting) Urine Routine and Microscopy Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Blood Group and Rh Factor

Imaging Tests

X-Ray Chest

Optional Tests

ECG HIV for AIDS SGPT for Liver Cholesterol test (Heart-related) HBsAg for Hepatitis B Creatinine for Kidney

Why Are Pre-Employment Checkups Done?

The main reasons for pre-employment medical examinations are safety, health, productivity, and cost management for the employer. Here's a deeper look into each reason:

Safety

New employees should be free from medical conditions that could result in sudden incapacitation, which can lead to accidents, especially in jobs that are safety-sensitive, such as driving, piloting, and operating machinery. For example, a person with tuberculosis in a call center, a cook with typhoid in a restaurant, an asthmatic as an AC mechanic, or a color blind person in a clothing store may pose risks to occupational safety.

Health

A pre-employment medical checkup establishes baseline health data that can be compared to future health status. It is also a means of identifying existing medical conditions, including contagious diseases that can be adversely affected by occupational exposures. This helps in ensuring the well-being of both the employee and the workplace environment.

Productivity and Efficiency

Employers use pre-employment medical examinations to ensure that new hires are free from medical conditions that could affect their productivity once they start work. This is crucial for maintaining a high level of efficiency and output in the workplace.

Cost Management

As medical costs continue to rise, employers who provide medical coverage, especially full and unlimited coverage, are concerned about potential high medical expenses. They are more likely to avoid hiring individuals with medical conditions that have a high potential for medical costs. This practice helps in protecting the well-being of co-workers and the public from infections.

Other Considerations for Pre-Employment Checkups

For individuals returning to work after an illness, special tests may be required to ensure they are safe for work. This includes checking for open sores and ulcers, which may require additional tests like pus culture and stool routine. Cases of illness requiring a 6-month interval for re-evaluation include chest and respiratory diseases, blood-borne infections like HIV and Hepatitis B, and returning to work after diarrhea, where stool routine and Widal test might be necessary.

These additional pre-employment checkups are essential to ensure that employees are not only fit for their roles but also do not pose a risk to co-workers or the general public.

Conclusion

While pre-employment medical examinations are important in ensuring the safety and productivity of the workforce, the extent and frequency of these examinations should be carefully evaluated. For low-risk, short-term jobs, simpler tests such as drug and alcohol screens may be sufficient. Employers should prioritize the health and safety of their workforce while also recognizing the value of individual choice and rights.