Screening medicals are comprehensive health assessments designed to ensure employees can perform their roles safely and effectively. These evaluations help employers identify any health issues or conditions that might pose a risk to the individual or those around them, thus fulfilling legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).
Depending on the nature of the role, your staff may require screening medicals such as Fitness for Task or Safety Critical assessments, among others. Regardless of their specific name, the goal remains the same: safeguarding the health and wellbeing of employees and maintaining a safe workplace.
Why Are Screening Medicals Required?
Compliance & Safety
Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that any work environment and workflow are as safe as possible. Screening medicals help identify health conditions that might lead to accidents or incidents on-site.
Employee Wellbeing
Regular assessments can catch emerging medical issues early, reduce risks to the individual, and prevent exacerbation of existing conditions.
Risk Mitigation
Roles with significant physical or mental demands may require more frequent check-ups to confirm that employees remain fit for work. This includes any role where loss of consciousness, impaired concentration, or diminished coordination could be hazardous.
When Should Screening Medicals Take Place?
Before Employment or Role Changes
It is prudent to perform a screening medical when recruiting new staff, transferring existing employees to more demanding roles, or promoting individuals where responsibilities change significantly.
Return to Work
Employees returning from extended leave or illness may need an assessment to confirm they can safely resume their duties.
Regular Intervals
Health status can change over time. Conducting screening medicals on a routine schedule—often recommended every three years for those under 65—helps keep workforce health continuously monitored.
Who Might Need a Screening Medical?
Screening medicals can be relevant across a wide range of roles and industries. Common examples include:
Construction and Demolition (e.g., plant operators, scaffolders, ground workers)
Manufacturing and Engineering (e.g., factory workers, mechanical/electrical technicians)
Logistics (e.g., forklift operators, HGV drivers)
Office and Site Management Staff (e.g., supervisors, site managers)
Any role deemed “safety critical” by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine or company policy
Ensuring Ongoing Compliance and Safety
Screening medicals are a vital part of an employer’s responsibility to maintain a healthy, productive workforce. By assessing and reviewing employee health status at appropriate intervals, organisations can:
Minimise workplace accidents and incidents
Protect employees from avoidable health risks
Fulfill legal obligations under health and safety legislation
Promote a proactive culture of wellbeing and occupational health
If you are unsure about the type of medical your employees need, or how often these checks should be carried out, seeking professional occupational health advice can help you tailor a screening program to suit both your legal obligations and the unique demands of your industry.
By staying on top of regular screening medicals, you not only safeguard your workforce but also foster a responsible and compliant working environment.