You’ve been offered that new job that you really wanted and then they tell you that you need to come in for a medical check next week. But why do they insist on this, you wonder? You are young and healthy, and the job is not physically related whatsoever. If you have ever found yourself wondering the same thing, please read this article for some answers.
What Are Pre-employment Medical Examinations?
These types of examination are usually required by potential employers as a part of the selection procedure when looking at filling a vacant position. They are conducted as a part of the final stages of the process and they usually indicate an acceptance of the employee pending on the results of these tests. They are in place to see how healthy the applicant is, and to highlight any problems or abnormalities they may be suffering. If the applicant has lied about a particular physical condition, they may be disqualified from the position they applied for.
Can an Employer Insist on These Exams?
It is not a legal requirement for potential employees to undergo these examinations, but the refusal to allow such an examination to take place can lead to the end of that individual’s job offer. If the employer is suspected of asking for this exam, for the wrong reasons, they can be prosecuted. This is usually regarding the discrimination acts in place about pregnant or disabled applicants.
What Will The Exam Contain?
Before you agree to undertake the examination, the employer needs to explain the reasons for this request taking place. As long as they can prove that there are no inappropriate reasons behind the requirement, you should be happy to conform.You will usually be given a fairly basic medical test and answer questions about the current state of your health. The answers that you give should be 100% truthful and can be used as evidence at a later date if you withheld your true medical condition from the doctor. You may also be asked to agree to several x-rays, if you are pregnant, please tell the doctor straight way.
Infectious Diseases
If your medical examination shows that you have an infectious disease, you may be compromised. But you need to be told in advance that you are being tested for these, and there should be a valid reason for this intrusion. If your job requires you to handle and prepare food for the public, you will probably be tested as a matter of course. If you are tested for HIV/Aids, you need to be asked in advance. Most employers do not have the right to test for these, and having this disease is not usually a reason enough to disqualify an applicant
What If There Are Problems?
If, once you have undergone the medical examination and you are subsequently disqualified from your job application, you need to receive a full explanation from the employer. If they have rejected you as a result of your examination, you will need a fair reason why this is the case. If you feel that the employer has discriminated against you as a result of the test, you should seek legal advice immediately.
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Brad Cooper, the author of this post, works for IN-Fusion Management Pty. Ltd and he is quite enthusiastic about his work. When he is not busy offering project management services to clients, he likes to read books with a cup of hot coffee.
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