Pre-employment medicals are a standard part of the hiring process in many industries, from construction and mining to healthcare, transport, and community services. Whether you’re an employer wanting to understand your obligations or a job seeker preparing for a medical assessment, this guide covers the key things you need to know. Camberwell Health in Camberwell offers work-related medicals for individuals and employers across the Boroondara area.
What Is a Pre-Employment Medical?
A pre-employment medical is a health assessment carried out by a GP before a person starts a new role. The purpose is to assess whether a candidate is medically fit to perform the inherent requirements of the job safely, and to identify any health conditions that may be relevant to their ability to do so.
Pre-employment medicals are not the same as a standard GP check-up. They are structured assessments designed to address the specific physical and health demands of a particular role.
Why Do Employers Require Them?
Employers request pre-employment medicals for a range of reasons, including:
Workplace safety: Certain roles carry physical risks — operating heavy machinery, working at heights, driving, or working in confined spaces. A pre-employment medical helps identify health conditions that could affect a worker’s safety or the safety of those around them.
Legal and regulatory compliance: Some industries and roles are governed by regulations that require health certification — for example, commercial vehicle drivers under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme, or workers in certain mining or aviation roles.
Workers compensation risk management: Understanding the pre-existing health status of a new employee helps employers manage their insurance obligations and supports early intervention if an injury occurs.
Fitness for duty in safety-critical roles: Roles in healthcare, childcare, food handling, and similar sectors may have specific health requirements related to communicable disease or physical capability.
What Does a Pre-Employment Medical Involve?
The content of a pre-employment medical varies depending on the role and the employer’s requirements. A standard work-related medical at Camberwell Health may include:
- General health history review
- Blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, and BMI measurements
- Musculoskeletal assessment (looking at strength, range of motion, and any existing injuries or conditions relevant to the role)
- Vision and hearing tests where relevant
- Spirometry (lung function testing) for roles with dust or fume exposure
- Urine analysis
- Drug and alcohol screening if required by the employer (this requires a separate process and the candidate’s consent)
- Completion of the employer’s specific medical form
The GP’s assessment is then documented on the employer’s form or in a medical report, which is returned to the employer or occupational health provider. The report confirms fitness for the role, and may note any restrictions or conditions.
What Is and Isn’t Disclosed to the Employer?
Privacy considerations are important in work-related medicals. In general, a GP’s report to an employer confirms whether the candidate is fit for the role, and may note relevant restrictions — but detailed medical information beyond what is necessary for the fitness determination is generally not disclosed without the candidate’s consent. This varies depending on the specific requirements of the role and the employer’s medical form.
Candidates should read the consent documentation carefully before their appointment and ask the GP to clarify what will and won’t be included in the report.
What Should Candidates Bring?
If you’re attending a pre-employment medical at Camberwell Health, bring the following:
- The employer’s medical form or letter (if provided)
- Your Medicare card
- A list of current medications and any relevant medical history
- Glasses or contact lenses if you use them
- Any relevant documentation about previous injuries or conditions that may be relevant to the role
How to Book a Work Medical in Camberwell
Camberwell Health offers work-related medicals and pre-employment assessments for individuals and employers. To arrange a booking, call us on (03) 9882 0055 or email reception@camberwellhealth.com.au. Our reception team can advise on appointment length and what to bring based on your specific requirements.
We’re located at 676 Burke Road, Camberwell, and are accessible from across the Boroondara area including Surrey Hills, Hawthorn East, Balwyn, Glen Iris, and Canterbury.
This article is intended as general health information only. For advice specific to your workplace or health circumstances, please consult your GP or occupational health provider.