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

If you have been asked to do a pre-employment health check, or if you are an employer thinking about offering them, you might be wondering what actually happens.

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

The short answer is that a pre-employment medical (sometimes called an employment medical) is a health check designed to make sure the job is a good fit for the person, and that the person is safe and ready for the job. These checks are not about ruling people out — they are about spotting where extra support might help. At Habit Health we do these checks every day, and they are usually much simpler and friendlier than people expect.

What is a pre-employment health check?

A pre-employment testing is done before someone starts a new role. It gives employers peace of mind that their team is safe to get stuck into the job, and it gives employees the reassurance that their health is being looked after.

The idea is to pick up anything that might need extra support early, so everyone starts off on the right foot.

What is included in a pre-employment medical?

What we check depends on the type of job. Someone starting an office role will not need the same tests as someone driving heavy machinery or working around crystalline silica or asbestos dust.

That said, a typical pre-employment medical might include things like:

• Hearing test – for people working around noise.
• Lung function test – important if the job involves dust or chemicals.
• Vision test – especially for driving roles.
• Movement and strength checks – to see how your body handles lifting, bending, or repetitive work.
• Fatigue and sleep screening – useful for shift work or driving jobs.
• Medical history review – a chat about your health background.
• Drug testing – common in most industries.
• Vaccination checks – for example flu, hepatitis, or tetanus depending on the role.

Sometimes we also pick up general health issues, like high blood pressure, that are not related to the job. If that happens, we let people know so they can follow it up with their GP. Think of it as a bit of a free health check that you might not otherwise get.

If you are an employee: what to expect

For employees, the process is straightforward and not something to worry about. It is not a pass-or-fail test.

You just need to bring:

• your ID,
• any glasses or hearing aids you normally use,
• any paperwork you have been asked for. 

The appointment takes around 45 minutes. We explain each step, answer your questions, and keep things respectful.

If something comes up, we talk you through it and let you know what to do next. Most people walk away saying it was much easier than they expected.

If you are an employer: why bother with pre-employment checks?

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.

Getting support with pre-employment health checks

Whether you are starting a new job or bringing someone new into your team, pre-employment health checks are about peace of mind. They keep people safe, reduce risks for businesses, and help everyone feel more confident from the start.

How the process works

For employees:

• You will either be contacted directly to arrange your appointment or your employer will book you in.
• You come to one of our Habit Health clinics, or sometimes we come to the workplace.
• You leave knowing exactly what was checked and what it means.

For employers:

• You let us know what the job involves.
• We match the health check to those requirements.
• You get a clear report with practical recommendations.

If you have a larger team, we can manage repeat bookings and reminders so nothing slips through the cracks. We have Occupational Health Nurses across the country who can help. 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.