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Pre-Employment Health Assessment Service
Pre-Employment Health Assessment Service
A Pre-Employment Health Assessment is required to determine the health status of individuals who are about to start a new job and to assess their suitability for the job they will perform. Every employee must undergo this assessment before starting work.
The suitability of individuals to work in different sectors, based on risk categories, is determined through the Pre-Employment Health Assessment. It is a mandatory process to evaluate whether a person is fit to perform a job. Employees in both low-risk and high-risk sectors must be deemed medically and physically capable. If a person is not suitable for a specific job, it may pose risks to both themselves and others around them. The purpose of this evaluation is to identify any potential health issues beforehand. Individuals with certain health conditions can be identified through this assessment and can be distinguished from those deemed fit for work.
Is the Pre-Employment Health Assessment Mandatory?
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, employers are required to request a “Pre-Employment Health Assessment” during the hiring process.
Under the provisions of Labor Law No. 4857 and Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, all employees must undergo a Pre-Employment Health Assessment before starting work.
As per Article 15 titled “Health Surveillance” of Law No. 6331, employers must ensure that employees obtain a medical report confirming their fitness for work:
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At the time of recruitment,
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In case of job change,
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After any accident, occupational disease, or health-related leave upon request,
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Periodically, based on the nature of the work and the hazard class of the workplace, as determined by the Ministry.
Individuals who are to work in hazardous or highly hazardous jobs cannot start work without a health report confirming their medical fitness. The individual must obtain this assessment report to verify their suitability for the job they will perform. This process includes conducting all necessary tests, performing entrance examinations, and issuing the EK-2 health report prior to starting work.
The content of the Pre-Employment Health Assessment report (e.g., working at heights, vision capabilities, contagious diseases, chronic illnesses, hearing loss, etc.) and its validity period vary depending on the job's risk level.
The Occupational Health and Safety Law classifies workplaces into three categories:
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Highly Hazardous Workplaces
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Hazardous Workplaces
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Low-Hazard Workplaces
Each of these categories has different intervals for required periodic medical assessments, as determined by the Ministry. Once the initial report’s validity period expires, it must be renewed.
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In low-hazard workplaces: every 5 years at the latest,
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In hazardous workplaces: every 3 years at the latest,
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In highly hazardous workplaces: every year at the latest.
For highly hazardous workplaces, the health report is valid for one year and must be renewed after this period. In hazardous workplaces, it is valid for 3 years, and in low-hazard workplaces, for 5 years.
Employees who are disabled, young, or pregnant must undergo periodic health assessments every six months. These intervals may be shortened at the discretion of the workplace physician in companies or OSGBs (Joint Health and Safety Units).
Expired health reports must be updated. Failure to do so renders the report invalid and may result in penalties for both the employer and the employee. The cost of the Pre-Employment Health Assessment depends on the tests applied, the work area, and the risk category.
What Tests Are Included in the Pre-Employment Health Assessment?
Tests that provide general health information include Complete Blood Count (CBC), Chest X-Ray, Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), and Audiometry. These are standard tests beneficial for everyone, regardless of job role. However, depending on the nature of the job, additional tests such as vision screening, food handler examinations, and electrocardiograms (ECG) may also be conducted. The specific tests required for employment are determined by the workplace physician.
Types of Pre-Employment Health Assessment Reports
Medically Fit to Work at Heights Report
Issued by OSGB workplace physicians based on physical examinations and specific test results. It assesses whether the individual is medically fit to work at heights. This report may include Audiometry, Pulmonary Function Test, Chest X-ray, ECG, and Vision Test. Based on the test results, it determines whether there are any medical conditions preventing the person from working at heights.
Fit for Heavy and Hazardous Work Report
This report confirms that the employee has no medical barriers to working in a hazardous environment. It allows individuals to seek employment in sectors involving heavy and hazardous tasks. It is an official document valid for one year. The report includes an evaluation of both physical and mental suitability.
The Pre-Employment Health Assessment Report service is provided at ZİRVE OHS.