What Reasons Would You Fail a Pre-Employment Physical?

There are several reasons why you may fail a pre-employment physical exam. These reasons include:

• Cognitive or Mental Health Issues. Some jobs may require high levels of mental alertness or emotional stability. If you have cognitive or mental health issues that prevent you from performing the job’s required tasks, you may fail the exam.

• Existing Health Conditions. If you have a pre-existing health condition that hinders your ability to work or perform certain tasks, you may fail your physical exam. Examples of such conditions include heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems.

• Infectious Diseases. These pose a threat to the health of other employees, so those who test positive for these diseases may be disqualified from certain jobs.

• Past Injuries. Those with a history of injuries that can hinder their ability to work may fail the physical exam.

• Poor Physical Fitness. Jobs that require physical strength or endurance may require you to pass specific physical tests, and those who can’t meet the fitness requirements may fail the exam.

• Substance Abuse. Drug and alcohol abuse can significantly impact your health and safety, which is why a pre-employment physical exam often includes drug and alcohol screening.

Pre-employment physicals can vary depending on the job requirements, company policy, and location. However, there are some common questions that may be asked during this type of examination, including ones about your:

• Allergies.
• Cardiovascular health.
• Drug and alcohol testing:
• Immunizations.
• Lifestyle.
• Medical history.
• Medications.
• Musculoskeletal health.
• Respiratory health.
• Vision and hearing.

The questions asked during this type of examination will vary depending on the job requirements and the location of the employer. However, the overall goal is to assess your comprehensive health and physical abilities to determine if you can perform the required job duties safely and effectively.

If you have high blood pressure during a pre-employment physical, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll fail the test.

In most cases, the medical professional conducting the exam will inform your employer of your blood pressure readings and provide a recommended course of action. This could include seeking out further medical evaluation or starting treatment for hypertension.

It’s important to note that employers must comply with federal regulations through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination against employees and job applicants with disabilities, which could include medical conditions. Hence, employers are not allowed to reject a job candidate solely based on high blood pressure readings.

If a person has diabetes, it’s possible that they may fail a pre-employment physical as a result of their condition. This is because diabetes can impact certain health metrics that are typically assessed during these physicals.

For example, if a person’s blood sugar levels are not well-controlled, they may have abnormal results on blood tests. Additionally, people with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart disease and may have high BMI values, which could indicate a risk for heart-related health problems.

However, it’s important to note that having diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will automatically fail a pre-employment physical. If a person’s diabetes is well-managed, they should be able to pass a physical just like anyone else.

It’s also worth noting that many employers are legally obligated to make reasonable accommodations for employees with diabetes under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including adjusting work hours and/or providing necessary medical equipment and supplies.

If you require a pre-employment physical, contact us at Express Health Urgent Care or book online to schedule an appointment. Our team would be happy to answer any questions that you have and get you moving towards the next step of your employment journey. We serve patients from Queens NY, Manhattan NYC, Midwood NY, Nostrand NYC, Ridgewood NYC, Metropolitan NYC, Staten Island, Greenwich Village NYC, and surrounding areas.