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Employment Physical

Reasons to Get One, What to Expect, Associated Risks & More

Key Points

  • Pre-employment physical exams are becoming more common across various industries to protect companies from work-related lawsuits and ensure a job is a good fit for a potential employee's health.
  • These exams often include general health questions, vital signs check, physical examination, hearing and vision tests, and drug and alcohol tests, particularly for jobs involving driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • Legally, these physicals can only be requested after a job offer has been made to avoid discrimination.
  • One of the most convenient ways to get a pre-employment physical is by visiting a local urgent care center due to their flexible hours.

If you have recently been offered a new job, you might need to receive a pre-employment physical exam. Although they were once restricted to industries that are physically demanding, employment physicals are becoming more common in a variety of fields. Pre-employment physicals help protect companies against work-related lawsuits, but it can also help you. By obtaining a physical before you start a new job, you can be sure that this new position is the right fit for you in your current condition, as well as get a quick check-up that reveals any health issues you may not know you have.

So, what can you expect with a pre-employment physical? While these types of physicals vary depending on the nature of the position you’ve been offered, you can likely expect to:

  • Be asked a couple general health questions, such as what your family medical history looks like and how active you are on a day-to-day basis
  • Have your vitals taken, which include your height, weight, blood pressure, and temperature
  • Undergo a physical examination
  • Have your hearing and vision tested
  • Be tested for drugs and alcohol, especially if the job you’ve been offered involves driving and/or operating heavy machinery

It’s also important to note that pre-employment physicals can only be legally requested after you have been offered the position. This helps ensure that no discrimination issues will arise.

One of the quickest and most convenient ways you can receive an employment physical is by visiting a local urgent care center. Urgent care centers typically open early in the morning and stay open late in the evening, allowing you to get your physical when it best fits in your schedule.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why are pre-employment physical exams becoming more common?

    They are becoming more common to protect companies from work-related lawsuits and to ensure that the job is a good fit for the potential employee's health condition.
  • What does a pre-employment physical exam typically include?

    A typical exam includes general health questions, a vital signs check, a physical examination, hearing and vision tests, and drug and alcohol tests.
  • Can a company request a physical exam before offering me a job?

    No, a company can only legally request a physical exam after a job offer has been made to avoid discrimination.
  • Are pre-employment physical exams required for all types of jobs?

    While they're more common for jobs involving driving or operating heavy machinery, they are becoming increasingly prevalent across various industries.
  • Where can I get a pre-employment physical exam?

    One convenient place to get a pre-employment physical is at a local urgent care center due to their flexible hours.
  • Can a pre-employment physical exam reveal unknown health issues?

    Yes, a pre-employment physical can potentially reveal unknown health issues.
  • What are the benefits of pre-employment physical exams for potential employees?

    The exams ensure that the job is a good fit for their current health condition and can reveal any unknown health issues.
  • Are drug and alcohol tests a part of pre-employment physical exams?

    Yes, especially for jobs involving driving or operating heavy machinery, drug and alcohol tests are often part of the physical exam.

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