In our related articles, we discuss and define occupational health and wellness and outline the legal considerations for organizations seeking to implement occupational health screenings to improve hiring, employee retention, employee satisfaction, and workplace culture. Here, we’ll explore the different facets of an occupational health screening and how it can help your organization secure top talent and provide your workforce with a consistently safe and healthy working environment.
Overview
An occupational health assessment gauges an employee’s physical ability to complete job-related tasks. The overriding goal is to prevent work-related injuries and, in some cases, to identify pre-existing conditions that could impact an employee’s vulnerability to certain hazards (the most common of which are noise, the use of power tools, inhalation of toxic or carcinogenic substances, or “working at height” and display screen challenges). Occupational health assessments must be made by occupational health professionals and various federal laws impact which medical professionals qualify.
Occupational health screenings improve employee retention, productivity, attendance, and satisfaction, and keep organizations in compliance with legal requirements based on their industry or consistent job hazards.
Primary Types of Occupational Health Assessments
Pre-Employment Health Assessments
Employers request pre-employment health assessments after they have made an offer of employment. This type of assessment is designed to determine whether an employee is medically fit for a job and its numerous duties. Assessment requirements vary by profession and industry, but often include at least some of the following steps:
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A conversation concerning pre-existing medical issues
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Employee completion of a health questionnaire that solicits information relevant to job responsibilities
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Specific health checks relevant to particular job hazards (vision, hearing, blood pressure, respiratory health, or motor skills evaluations, for example)
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Tests that determine an employee’s physical ability to perform key job responsibilities. Depending on how rigorous the job is, this could include a fitness test.
As part of the assessment, the medical professional must ensure that an employee can complete job responsibilities without risking their own or others’ health and safety. They must also determine whether the employer will need to provide (or can provide) reasonable accommodations to improve the work environment or job-related tasks in the event of an employee’s medical limitations.
At the end of a pre-employment health screening, the occupational health professional shares a report with the employer (and employee) communicating any short-term or permanent adjustments that should be made to the working environment, or any support that should be offered to assist the employee based on medical limitations. Generally speaking, employers will meet with newly hired employees following assessments to discuss the report, the recommendations, and any steps that may be necessary to ensure employee wellness and safety in the workplace (for the entire workforce).
Working in partnership with a number of nationwide clinics, The Orsus Group provides comprehensive health screening services for organizations and their employees, including the following and more:
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Pre-Employment DOT Physical Exams (for CMV drivers and others)
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Pre-Employment Non-DOT Physical Exams (for a variety of industries and professions)
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Vaccinations
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Titers
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Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
Drug Screening
Drug screening is a dimension of occupational health screening that frequently occurs at the pre-employment stage, but can also occur randomly, following a workplace incident, or when there is reasonable suspicion or concern regarding substance abuse. Research shows that organizational drug screening can help to reduce absenteeism, injuries, accidents, and health costs, while improving productivity and legal protections.
Using a network of thousands of certified collection sites across the country, The Orsus Group provides timely urinalysis screening, hair testing, instant testing, and DOT testing to keep employers informed, legally secure, and protected against the risk of substance abuse within their workforce.
Optimize Occupational Health Screening Services with The Orsus Group
Health screenings and drug screenings are crucial components of an effective occupational health plan that protects your organization, your employees, and improves workplace health, safety, and productivity. When paired with an HR strategy that prioritizes occupational wellness and HCM technology that streamlines hiring, onboarding, payroll, and more, occupational health screening is even more effective: helping your organization attract and retain a high-quality workforce. We’re ready to work with you to support the specific goals and needs of your organization. Contact us today to start our collaboration.