What is a fit for duty test?
A fit for duty exam includes a medical exam and psychological exam used to evaluate current employees, employees returning to work after an injury, and potential employees.
Employers have a legal right to use fitness for duty tests under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Companies cannot discriminate when hiring a disabled worker, but the disability can’t keep him or her from doing the essential functions of the job.
Are you questioning your employees’ readiness or effectiveness? A fitness for duty test allows you to make sure your employees are ready to perform the tasks required in their job descriptions.
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Types of Fitness for Duty Exams
There are different categories of fitness for duty exams depending on the situation and conditions of employment. Let’s take a look at the different tests.
1. Post-Offer Exam
You’re offered a job, now what? Some companies require you to participate in what’s sometimes called pre-placement exams. These include an extensive employee questionnaire, a musculoskeletal exam, drug testing, medical surveillance, and physical abilities testing.
2. Return to Work
When an employee suffers an injury and is off work for a while, an employer may question whether they’re really ready to come back to work. Even if the doctor has given the all-clear, the employer may be doubtful. In this case, fitness for duty test is conducted.
3. Job Performance
Are you concerned that an employee cannot or is not performing the essential functions of the job? Or maybe the employee isn’t/can’t perform up to the standards of your other employees? This is a case where you would conduct a fitness for duty exam.
No matter what you call the test or why it’s performed, taking any steps to head off a workmans’ comp claim is smart risk management.
Do you need medical risk management for your company? Work with a company that can tailor a fitness for duty test to your company’s operations and needs. Learn more here.
Why Use Them?
These exams are a good way to determine if your employees are able to safely perform the essential duties of the job without unrealistic accommodations. Employers use these tests to determine employee placement, work assignments, accommodations, and to match employees with the best positions.
These tests help a company promote the health and well-being of the employees while providing a safe work environment and furthering the productivity of the employees and the company as a whole.
Adding A Fitness for Duty Test to Your Company’s Protocol
Now that you know how the fitness for duty test can benefit your company, is it time to add it to different situations at your company? It will help you avoid injuries and workers comp claims, both positives for your company.
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