Health Assessments before Job Placement

Abstract

Health assessments before job placement are done by many of the largest manufacturing companies in Australia. The method by which the risk is assessed, the content of the assessment and the format in which the result is conveyed to management may, at least in some of the organizations, result in adverse industrial relations consequences. Fewer allegations of discrimination may result if those characteristics and conditions that are absolute contraindications to employment or that increase the risk to the applicant or others have been clearly defined. The perceived utility of the assessments appears to be inconsistent with our current knowledge of their effectiveness. Further research should be done to determine whether the apparent reliance on the assessments, in controlling risks, is due to a relative lack of knowledge of risk assessment and reduction techniques.