What’s Included in a Pre-Employment Health Check?

If you’ve been asked to do a pre-employment health check, you might be wondering what that actually means. Is it like a doctor’s appointment? What are they checking for? Will it stop me from getting the job?

By Ellie Hiom, Occupational Health Nurse and Clinical Lead at Habit Health

These are really common questions. The good news is, a pre-employment medical isn’t something to stress about. At Habit Health, we do these checks all the time for all sorts of industries, from office jobs to high-risk roles. Our job is to make sure the role is a safe fit for you and to give you and your employer a bit of peace of mind before you get started.

What is a pre-employment health check?

A pre-employment health check, sometimes called a pre-employment medical or employment medical, is a health screening you do before starting a new job. It helps make sure the job won’t negatively affect your health, and that your health won’t put you or others at risk on the job.

It’s not a test you pass or fail. It’s more like a check-in, so your future employer knows what support, adjustments or extra gear might be helpful to keep you safe and comfortable at work

What is included in a pre-employment medical?

It really depends on the job. Someone working at a desk will need a different type of check than someone doing heavy lifting or driving long hours, or working around crystalline silica or asbestos dust.

But here are some of the most common things we include:

• Hearing test for noisy workplaces or jobs involving machinery.
• Lung function test often used in jobs where you’re around dust, fumes or chemicals.
• Vision check especially important for drivers or roles that rely on good eyesight.
• Movement and strength assessment to check for old injuries or anything that could affect your ability to do the physical parts of the job.
• Fatigue and sleep screening for shift workers or drivers, we sometimes ask questions about your sleep or assess for signs of things like sleep apnoea.
• Medical history review this is a relaxed chat about your health background so we can understand anything important from the past.
• Drug testing most employment medicals include a urine drug test. These are instant tests done in a private space, and we’re trained and accredited to do them properly and respectfully.
• Vaccination or health screening (if relevant) if your job has risks like chemical exposure or contact with blood or wastewater, we might test for things like lead or hepatitis, or check if you’re up to date on vaccinations.
• Health education and GP referrals sometimes we pick up on things that aren’t directly job-related, like high blood pressure. We’ll always let you know if something needs a follow-up with your GP.

It’s a bit like a general health check you wouldn’t normally get through your doctor these days, and people are often surprised by how useful it is.

What if something comes up?

If we spot something during your check that might be relevant to your job, we’ll talk it through with you first. We’re not here to stop people from working. We’re here to help keep you safe and comfortable while you do your job well.

Sometimes we’ll suggest small adjustments, like different PPE or extra support in your early weeks. In some cases, we may recommend medical clearance before you start, for example, if we need further information on how vision or a pre-existing injury could affect the role you’re applying for.

It’s all about finding practical solutions, not putting up barriers.

Where do we carry out your pre-employment health check?

For businesses, pre-employment medicals can make a big difference. They help:

• Reduce the risk of accidents or injuries at work.
• Show new staff that you care about their wellbeing.
• Meet your health and safety responsibilities.
• Save time and money by preventing problems before they grow.

It also helps with planning. If we spot something that might need extra support, you can sort it out before day one rather than being caught off guard later.

What should I expect from a pre-employment health check?

It’s normal to feel a little nervous, especially if you haven’t done something like this before. But I promise, it’s nothing to worry about.

Our nurses explain everything as we go, and we keep things calm, respectful and supportive. If you’ve got questions, ask them. If you’re unsure about something in your health history, you can tell us in confidence.

We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help you start your new role with the best possible support.

Why pre-employment health checks are good for business

When you’re hiring, there’s a lot to think about. Finding the right person, onboarding them well, and making sure they’re set up for success. One thing that often gets missed in this process is a pre-employment health check. A pre-employment medical isn’t about making life harder for new hires. It’s about making things safer, smoother and more sustainable for your team, and your business.

Why offer pre-employment medicals? 

 There are a few key reasons: 

1. You prevent problems before they start 

We often identify issues early — things like musculoskeletal injuries, unmanaged fatigue, or underlying health risks — that could become bigger problems down the track. Early action can help reduce time off, accidents or long-term injuries. 

2. It helps your team feel supported 

For a new hire, having their health and wellbeing considered from day one sends a powerful message. It shows that your company takes care of its people and takes safety seriously. 

3. It protects your business

From a compliance point of view, pre-employment health checks give you a clear record that you’ve assessed risk and taken steps to keep your people safe. That’s important in high-risk roles or industries where standards are regulated. 

4. It makes onboarding more efficient

If someone needs additional training, PPE or workstation adjustments, we’ll let you know in advance. That helps you plan and avoid delays once they start. 

What does the process look like for employers? 

 It’s easy. You can: 

•  Send your candidates to one of our many Habit Health clinics around the country 
•  Or, we can come onsite and carry out the assessments at your workplace (as long as there’s a private, quiet space) 

Our nurses are experienced, friendly and efficient. We’ll tailor the health check to the role, keep you in the loop, and deliver clear reporting so you can make confident hiring decisions. 

 A pre-employment health check is a simple way to make sure you and your job are the right match. It helps your employer support you better and gives you a clear picture of your own health going into the role. For many people, it’s the first time in years they’ve had a proper health check, and we often hear that it’s more helpful and reassuring than expected. 

For employers, pre-employment health checks aren’t just about ticking boxes. They’re about starting the employer-employee relationship with trust, care and clarity. You get a better understanding of the person you’re hiring. They get peace of mind knowing their health matters from day one. And your whole team benefits from a safer, more supportive workplace. 

Looking for pre-employment medical providers for your team? We’ve got Occupational Health Nurses across the country ready to support your business. Enquire online.

Common questions about pre-employment health checks

Do I need a GP referral? 

No. You can book directly with us. 

Can it be done onsite? 

Yes, if there is a private space. Otherwise, staff can come to one of our clinics. 

What if something shows up? 

We focus on solutions. Sometimes that means a GP follow-up, sometimes it is as simple as recommending different gear or a small workplace adjustments.