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What Employers and Employees Need to Know About Employment Physicals

Employment physicals are an important part of the hiring process for many companies. These medical examinations help ensure that potential employees are physically capable of performing their job duties safely and effectively. Midlands Exams & Drug Screening provides employment physicals for businesses in Columbia, SC. Let's explore what both employers and employees should know about these crucial assessments.

The Purpose of Employment Physicals

Employment physicals serve several important purposes for both employers and employees. For employers, these examinations help:

• Verify that candidates can perform essential job functions
• Reduce the risk of workplace injuries
• Comply with industry-specific regulations
• Establish baseline health information for future reference

For employees, employment physicals can:

• Identify potential health issues early
• Ensure they are not put in situations that could harm their health
• Provide peace of mind about their ability to perform job duties

Components of an Employment Physical

While the specific components of an employment physical may vary depending on the job requirements, most examinations include:

Medical History Review

The examining physician will review the candidate's medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and current medications.

Physical Examination

This includes checking vital signs, assessing overall physical condition, and evaluating specific areas relevant to job duties.

Vision and Hearing Tests

These tests ensure that the candidate can see and hear well enough to perform their job safely.

Drug Screening

Many employers require drug tests as part of the employment physical to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Legal Considerations for Employers

Employers must be aware of legal requirements when conducting employment physicals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability and places restrictions on when and how employers can use medical examinations in the hiring process.

Key points for employers to remember:

• Employment physicals should only be conducted after a conditional job offer has been made
• The same physical standards must apply to all employees in similar positions
• Medical information obtained during the physical must be kept confidential
• Reasonable accommodations must be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities

Preparing for an Employment Physical

For employees or job candidates preparing for an employment physical, consider the following tips:

1. Bring a list of current medications and dosages
2. Have your medical history information ready, including past surgeries and chronic conditions
3. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination
4. Be honest about your health status and any concerns you may have
5. Follow any specific instructions provided by the employer or medical facility

The Role of Midlands Exams & Drug Screening

Midlands Exams & Drug Screening offers employment physical services for businesses in Columbia, SC. Our experienced medical professionals ensure that all examinations are conducted thoroughly and in compliance with relevant regulations.

The importance of timely results and clear communication in the hiring process is recognized. The team works efficiently to provide accurate assessments and prompt reporting to employers, while maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of all individuals involved.

For employers looking to implement an employment physical program or employees preparing for an examination, Midlands Exams & Drug Screening is available to help. Contact us today at 803-790-2045 to learn more about our employment physical services and how we can support your hiring process in Columbia, SC.