The Importance of Occupational Health Screenings

What Is Occupational Health Screening?

An occupational health screening is a process that benefits employers and employees by determining whether a worker is capable of meeting their job requirements. Knowing what to expect is helpful if you’re scheduled for an occupational health screening.

This article explains what’s included in an occupational health screening and why the process is crucial for everyone involved.

The Benefits of Occupational Health Screenings

Employers and their employees benefit from occupational health screening services. The process helps ensure that workers are safe and workplaces are productive.

For Employees

Employees who undergo occupational health screenings can do their work safely and with confidence that their health aligns with the job requirements. Screening also benefits them outside of work as it can help catch medical conditions early when treatment is most effective.

For Employers

Occupational health screenings offer employers advantages, including reduced workplace injuries, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity. Having employees screened also helps business owners comply with health and safety regulations and can potentially lower insurance costs.

Types of Occupational Health Screenings

What does occupational health screening involve? That depends on many factors, including the type of work an employee does. Some of the elements of a typical screening are:

• Hearing evaluation: Usually conducted by an audiologist, this test checks the person’s hearing sensitivity at different frequencies.
• Blood pressure measurement: Blood pressure is measured using a cuff wrapped around the upper arm. Elevated blood pressure readings may indicate health problems that should be researched further.
• Respiratory health testing: This screening measures how well the lungs function and can help detect conditions like asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic bronchitis.
• Biometric screening: This term refers to tests of physical characteristics, such as height, weight, body mass index, cholesterol levels, thyroid function, and blood sugar levels.
• Urinalysis: Urine testing can help detect a wide range of disorders, including diabetes, urinary tract infections, and kidney disease.
• Musculoskeletal assessment: This screening evaluates the condition of the person’s bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and other related structures.
• Fitness for work testing: This assessment focuses on the tasks the person will have at work (lifting boxes of a particular weight, for example) and whether they can perform them.
• Mental health assessment: This testing can help determine if a person has depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
• Drug testing: Laboratories can assess urine, hair, blood, sweat, or other specimens for the presence of illegal drugs.

These are just some of the possible tests. If your employer requires occupational health screening, they can provide detailed information on what to expect.

Learn More About the Screening Process

Prioritizing employee health and wellness is good for them and their companies. From ensuring a person is capable of meeting their job responsibilities to helping employees catch medical issues early, screening is a valuable tool for helping people and businesses thrive.

Learn about occupational medicine services at Baptist Health.

Next Steps and Useful Resources

Learn more about Occupational Medicine
Occupational Medicine Education and Wellness Program
What Is an Occupational Medicine Clinic?
What Is an Occupational Therapist?