What to Expect at Your Pre-Employment Medical

Before starting a new job especially in physically demanding industries, it’s important to make sure workers are fit to perform their roles safely. That’s where pre-employment medicals come in.

At Assist Allied Health in Capalaba, our physiotherapist-led assessments help employers hire confidently while supporting worker wellbeing. Whether you’re an employer, recruiter, or job applicant, here’s what to expect.

Why Pre-Employment Medicals Matter

A pre-employment medical isn’t about catching people out, it’s about preventing injuries and matching the right person to the right role.
By understanding a candidate’s current health and physical capacity, businesses can:

• Reduce the risk of workplace injury
• Ensure compliance with safety standards
• Identify areas where extra support or training might be needed
• Create safer, more productive workplaces

It’s a proactive step that benefits both the employer and the employee.

What’s Included in a Pre-Employment Medical

Each assessment is tailored to the specific role and industry, but common components include:

General Health Checks

• Height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate
• Medical history and current medication review

Drug & Alcohol Screening

• Ensures compliance with workplace safety policies

Vision & Hearing Tests

• Vision screening (including Ishihara colour testing)
• Audiometry (hearing testing)

Spirometry (Lung Function Testing)

• Measures breathing and respiratory health, especially important for dust or fume exposure roles

Functional Fitness & Lifting Tests

• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling tasks
• Step test for cardiovascular fitness

Task-Specific Testing

• Customised to the physical demands of the role (e.g. construction, aviation, or manufacturing)

After testing, the employer will receive a clear report outlining whether the candidate is:

• Fit for work
• Fit with restrictions
• Not fit for work

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

If you’re a candidate attending a pre-employment medical:

• Bring photo ID and any paperwork from your employer
• Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and closed-in shoes
• Eat and hydrate as usual, you don’t need to fast
• Allow 45-60 minutes for your appointment

Our team understands this can feel a little daunting but we keep the process professional, supportive, and straightforward.

For Employers and Recruiters

We partner with HR teams, recruitment agencies, and businesses across Brisbane and the Redlands. Our goal is to make the process seamless, accurate, and fast.

At Assist Allied Health, we provide:

• Clear reports written in plain language
• Fast turnaround times (usually within 24-48 hours)
• On-site or in-clinic options for individuals or groups
• Tailored testing for industry-specific roles

Request a Pre-Employment Assessment →
Learn More About Occupational Health Services →