Medical Preparation & General Information
Forms & Documents
Preparing for your Medical Assessment
There are important preparations you need to be aware of prior to your medical.
The primary essentials are:
- You need to know what your proposed job and position is
- If you wear glasses, bring your corrective lenses with you
- You need to bring any relevant medical history and tests to your appointment
- Wear loose fitting clothes and enclosed shoes
- If you use an asthma puffer, bring it with you
- Provide a complete list of medications you have been prescribed by your doctor
- If possible, be rested for your medical
- Ensure you are prepared for the requirements of your medical assessment
- If you have a heavy cold or are ill, you should not attend, particularly if having a hearing or breathing test. You need to advise your employer of this condition at least 24 hours prior to your appointment
- Bring photo identification with you e,g, Drivers Licence
- Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment so you can complete the necessary medical paperwork
- Our average wait time is about 15 minutes so your timely arrival is important
- If you have a hearing test, you need to ensure you have had at least 16 hours quiet time prior. Avoid exposure to:
- Power Tools
- Loud Music
- Workshop or Industrial Noise
- Lawnmowers
- Motorbike Riding
Matching Your Health to the Position
You need to be rational and realistic about your employment application in relation to your current health. Mining and Industry can be heavy and hot work, particularly in the Goldfields where temperatures can rise above 46+ Degrees Celsius in summer and drop below 0 Degrees Celsius in winter.
If you have been exposed to prohibited substances you will obviously test positive and not be able to take on the employment you intended. In some cases you may have no choice but to return to your place of origin. We cannot stress the point more clearly. Many suitable candidates see their careers end abruptly from their inappropriate exposure to these substances.
Obese individuals need to consider if they may pose a risk in their chosen job prior to attending the medical. For Example, some driving positions have strict limitations on weight. The Australian population is experiencing a major health concern associated with obesity. The health implications are many however, employment opportunities are also effected. About 3 people a week do not meet the weight health ratio for heavy industry in our practice and approximately 6 people a week come extremely close to the category. If you are over weight with a pre existing cardiovascular disorder such as a history of raised blood pressure, and smoke: your employment may be at risk due to your growing health risks associated with these three problems.
If you have these or other conditions, you need to apply for a position you are more suited for rather than desire. You need to "Plan To Succeed" not "Plan To Fail".
Medicals are time consuming and costly. Apply for a position you know your health status will allow you to perform well in and adjust your lifestyle to achieve good health status.
Our medicals will assess your suitability in regard to the position you have applied specifically. You do not as such fail a medical. Rather you are classified as a Low, Medium or High Risk in relation to the position you are applying for. Your health status can impact on your own safety and that of your work mates and work place. The responsibility in maintaining your health rests with you. Expert advice is available from your family medical practice or at the time of consult. It is up to you to accept this advice and do something about it.
The most common problems encountered in a medical that delay employment are:
- Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
- Obesity
- Vision problems that have not been attended to
- Known skeletal limitations or back injuries
- Unstable cardiac conditions
- Seizures that are uncontrolled or have occurred in the past three years
- Non-compliance with prescribed medications for specific conditions
- Exposure to prohibited substances such as prescribed Valium or Temazepam (Sleeping Tablets) or illicit substances.
- Uncontrolled Asthma or breathing disorders, particularly if applying for underground employment or employment in dusty locations or environments. Your risks are elevated if you smoke with these conditions.
Additional Information
- Do not pack up your home and relocate until you have secure suitable full time employment and suitable accommodation.
- Having worked in a role for many years does not mean your current health status still meets the application requirements - you need to maintain your health during your employment.
- Do not rely on word of mouth that there are plenty of jobs. Make your application and see for yourself.
- Recreational substances andd illicit substances are prohibited. Significant consequences, including job loss, may be imposed in heavy industry - this can lead to you having to return to your place of origin and may make future applications almost impossible.
- Ensure your health is suitable:
- Normal Blood Pressure
- Weight is in a healthy range
- No back or joint problems
- No active / recent surgery or injury that is unresolved
- No unmanaged chronic illness
- Existing Asthma or skin condition is well managed
- Have a health and vision check prior to relocating for employment.
- In general, if your health and fitness is reasonable:
- Can you do 16 Push-ups?
- Can you do 20 Lunges or Squats?
- Do you have full range of movement in all limbs?
- Can you maintain the plank or hover for 1 minute?
- Is your vision suitable with or without glasses?
- Is your Age Predicted Maximum Heart Rate in range?
- If you now believe you are suitable for the position you are applying, ensure you are able to present to your employer at the point of first contact:
- A valid drivers licence
- A valid drug and ETOH screen that is no older than a week
- Your CV typed and neatly presented. No longer than 3-4 pages
- Relevant copies of certifications
- A valid police clearance available from Australia Post in WA
- A valid First Aid certificate, if appropriate
- On presenting these items at the time of first contact, you are likely to present evidence that you are serious about your application and that you meet specific requirements. After the interview you may be directed to have a more complete and detailed medical performed.