To
determine the individual's physical and emotional capacity to perform a
particular job. This is the primary purpost of a pre-placement health
assessment. Theoretically, individuals can be matched to specific jobs
according to aptitude and physical and emotional capabilities. If the
match is correct, presumably a happy, healthy, productive employee will
result; if incorrect, the employee will not succeed because of a lack of
physical or mental capacity, and may potentially develop a
stress-related illness or worsen a pre-existing illness or injury as a
result of the work. With the revision of the Occupational Health and
Safety Act (1985) which outlines the physical requirements for certain
jobs, the pre-placement health assessment has assumed a new and
increasingly important role.
To
assess the individual's general health.
As
work becomes less strenuous and various types of employment related
insurance and medical benefits are increased, more consideration has
been given to evaluating an individual's general health status prior
to employment. the employer has a right to expect reasonable
regularity of attendance and reasonable longevity on the job. This is
increasingly important in highly-skilled jobs where expensive training
and investment are required. In this respect, the health team performs
a beneficial service to the employee and employer alike. The
pre-placement health assessment affords an excellent opportunity to
counsel the employee regarding correction of medical conditions that
may later lead to disability.
To establish a baseline record of the
physical condition for epidemiologic and medicolegal purposes. This
aspect of the pre-placement examination os becoming increasingly
important with legislative emphasis on prevention of occupational
diseases. Adequate medical evaluation and follow-up of employees
offers a good opportunity to develop comparative data of the incidence
of a variety of disease conditions in ligh of known occupational
exposure. In addition, this provides a real protection to employees,
since they can be alerted to any changes.
NOTE:
IN ALBERTA, THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT DATA IS OFTEN USED IN COMPUTING
DISABILITY FOR WORKER'S COMPENSATION AWARDS FOR OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
OR HEALTH CONDITIONS.
What
Do We Provide in Pre-Placement Health Assessments?
The
general pre-placement health assessment will include the tests and
informational data as listed below. Other tests may be included
according to the specific job descriptions or your company's medical
directives.
Documentation
of previous employment, exposure to occupational hazards, WCB claims
and classification of injuries.
Documented health history.
Height and weight.
Visual acuity; near and far vision,
depth perception, color vision and peripheral vision
Blood pressure and pulse rate.
Kraus-Weber back strength and
flexibility rating - these tests will rule our any existing or
pre-disposing back problems.
Endurance assessment.
Musculo-skeletal examinations of the
shoulders, elbows, wrists and knees.
Demonstration of proper lifting
techniques - poor lifting techniques are corrected.
Where computers will be in use by the
applicant, instruction in ergonomic procedures is provided.
These
health assessments are performed by an occupational health nurse with
additional skills in health assessments. Following completion of each
health assessment, a verbal report is given to the designated company
official. Written reports are sent to the company following a review
by one of our occupational health physicians.
To find our more about our pre-placement health assessment services, please
feel free to contact us by telephone, fax or e-mail. We will be
pleased to meet with you to discuss your company's needs and to assist
you in developing an effective program.
