Assessments: Building a Safer, Healthier Workforce
Starting a new job is exciting: a fresh role, new colleagues, and new opportunities. But behind the scenes of every successful hire is a process that protects both the employee and the organisation—the pre-employment health assessment.
Too often these checks are misunderstood to filter candidates out. They’re designed to support people and businesses alike. Below, we explore what these assessments involve, why they matter, and how they create long-term benefits for employees and employers.
What Is a Pre-Employment Health Assessment?
A pre-employment health assessment is a confidential evaluation of a candidate’s health in relation to the job they’re about to start. The aim is not to give a full medical or to invade anyone’s privacy; it is to ensure the individual can perform their role safely and to identify any adjustments that might be needed.
The format varies depending on the role and the potential workplace risks. Typical elements can include:
- Health questionnaire: A short, confidential form about medical history, current conditions and any medications.
- Basic health checks: Blood pressure, height and weight, vision screening or hearing (audiometry) tests.
- Role-specific assessments: For example, lung function/spirometry if you’re working in dusty environments.
The entire process is designed to be supportive and non-intrusive, with results kept strictly confidential within occupational health. Only work-related recommendations—such as “fit for role with adjustments” are shared with the employer.
Why These Assessments Matter
1. Supporting Employee Wellbeing from Day One
Spotting health concerns early means support plans can be put in place immediately. For example:
- Providing ergonomic equipment to protect someone with a musculoskeletal condition
- Offering flexible shifts for an employee managing a long-term health condition
- Creating a health surveillance schedule for staff working with specific risks such as noise or vibration
This proactive approach reduces stress for the employee and builds trust between staff and management from the outset.
2. Matching the Person to the Role
Every job has its own set of physical or environmental demands—shift work, heavy lifting, working with chemicals, exposure to noise or vibration.
A pre-employment health assessment checks that a new employee can meet those demands safely.
This is about prevention, not exclusion. If a health condition is identified, the occupational health team can recommend reasonable adjustments—such as modified duties or specialist equipment—so the employee can perform at their best without risk to themselves or others.
3. Reducing Workplace Risks
Healthy employees are safer employees. By identifying potential health risks before someone starts, businesses can:
- Reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents and near-misses
- Lower sickness absence rates
- Minimise the risk of costly litigation or regulatory breaches
Pre-employment assessments act as an early-warning system, allowing employers to mitigate risks before they affect productivity or staff morale.
4. Meeting Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
In many industries—such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing or transportation—employers have a legal duty of care to protect employees from foreseeable harm. Regulations such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) or the Health and Safety at Work Act place clear responsibilities on organisations.
A documented pre-employment health assessment demonstrates that an employer is fulfilling this duty. It also shows employees, clients and stakeholders that the company takes health and safety seriously.
How the Process Works
- Offer of Employment
The candidate receives a conditional offer subject to the health assessment. - Health Questionnaire
The candidate completes a confidential form, often online. - Occupational Health Review
An occupational health professional reviews the questionnaire and arranges further checks if needed—such as vision, hearing or lung function tests. - Recommendations
The clinician shares only work-related recommendations with the employer (e.g. “fit for role,” “fit with adjustments”). Personal medical details remain confidential. - Follow-up Support
If adjustments or health surveillance are required, these can be planned before the employee’s first day.
Common Misconceptions
“Will I fail the health check?”
No—it’s not a pass/fail test. The aim is to identify how the employer can support you.
“Will my private medical history be shared?”
No—your information is confidential. Employers receive only the recommendations relevant to your role.
“Does this delay my start date?”
Not usually. Most assessments are quick and can be completed before your first day.
The Bigger Picture: Investing in People
Think of a pre-employment health assessment as an investment in people and performance. It helps employees begin their new role safely and confidently, while giving employers the reassurance that they are meeting their duty of care.
This simple, proactive step supports:
- Safer workplaces
- Healthier teams
- Better productivity and retention
