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Health & Safety
Our Hours
Mon 9A-6P Tues 1P-6p
Wed 9A-6p Thurs 9A-12P
Location
440 Constitution Blvd
New Brighton PA 15066
- Same Day Appointments
- New Brighton, PA 15066
Are you applying for a role that requires a health evaluation? Like many job seekers, you may be wondering, “What reasons would you fail a pre-employment physical?” This is a common question – especially for individuals looking for jobs in roles like transportation, healthcare, or construction. Thankfully, knowing the answer ahead of time can help you avoid surprises and attend your pre-employment physical with confidence.
At Steel City Health and Safety, we provide quality pre-employment physicals and help job seekers in Pennsylvania navigate the pre-employment screening process. Here, we’ll answer the question “What reasons would you fail a pre-employment physical?” by outlining key reasons people don’t pass. We’ll also share what failure would mean for your job prospects and how to prepare for success.
A pre-employment physical is a medical exam that some employers require to ensure candidates are physically able to perform a certain job. For example, a job that involves heavy lifting would require you to safely and efficiently lift a certain amount of weight.
Pre-employment physicals also help employers identify health issues that may require an accommodation (such as a hearing aid) or pose a risk to the individual or others in the workplace (like untreated epilepsy).
These types of exams are common in industries like transportation, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and public safety.
Your physical assessment will likely include:
The exact exam will depend on the job you’re applying for and the employer’s requirements.
Be sure to take your ID, insurance card (if applicable), and your pre-employment physical form. It may be helpful to bring a summary of your medical history and a list of your current medications and dosages as well.
Here’s the big question on every anxious job seeker’s mind: what reasons would you fail a pre-employment physical? It’s important to know that certain health conditions can present as red flags to your medical examiner – especially if they could impact your ability to safely perform your job duties.
Here are a few of the most common reasons candidates fail their pre-employment physical exam:
Some pre-existing health conditions could hinder your ability to do your job safely. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues. If these conditions are currently being managed under a doctor’s care, be sure to provide documentation of your treatment and medications.
Some safety-sensitive roles require sharp vision or hearing for safety, like driving or operating machinery. Severe or uncorrected vision or hearing loss can lead to pre-employment physical failure. However, corrective lenses or hearing aids are typically accepted.
Some industries – like healthcare or food service – may require you to be screened for contagious or communicable diseases, like tuberculosis or hepatitis. A diagnosis may require you to seek treatment prior to starting your new job. In some cases, it may disqualify you from the job entirely.
Some jobs require you to pass a physical capacity test. For example, you may need to prove that you can perform repetitive motions, repeatedly lift heavy weights, sit, or stand for a long period of time. If you can’t safely perform the essential functions of the job, then you’re unlikely to pass your pre-employment physical.
Many work-related physicals require a pre-employment drug test or alcohol test. The test may use your urine, hair, saliva, or breath to detect whether you have recently used drugs or alcohol.
A pre-employment drug test typically identifies whether there is marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, or PCP in your system. It may also test for prescription drugs like benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
So, what happens if you test positive for drugs or alcohol? The lab will send your results to your employer’s Medical Review Officer (MRO). This person may contact you to confirm any medical conditions or prescriptions that may explain the results. If there is no valid reason for the positive drug or alcohol test, your job offer will most likely be withdrawn.
Depending on the company, you may be allowed to reapply for the job after a certain period of time, or after you’ve completed a drug treatment program.
You can book drug and alcohol testing with New Brighton, PA’s Steel City Health and Safety. We offer both DOT and non-DOT-qualified testing services.
Always be truthful when sharing your medical history, including past injuries, conditions, and medication use. You may be disqualified if your pre-employment physical exam shows that you lied about your medical history.
“What reasons would you fail a pre-employment physical?” has been answered. Now it’s time to prepare for the assessment.
Here are our best tips for passing your exam so you can get straight to work:
Your potential employer may provide you with a list of certified, nearby locations where you can schedule your pre-employment physical exam. Or you can do a Google search for terms like “pre-employment physical near me.”
Occupational health clinics like Steel City Health and Safety are certified and equipped to handle these types of assessments. If you’re located in Western Pennsylvania near New Brighton, schedule an appointment to see our certified medical examiner. We offer pre-employment physicals and drug screening to ensure you’re ready to start work.
We offer friendly, fast, and professional pre-employment screenings in Pennsylvania.
Don’t let uncertainty hold up your job offer. Schedule your pre-employment physical and drug screen with Steel City Health and Safety today. We’ll take care of the rest.
Mon 9A-6P Tues 1P-6p
Wed 9A-6p Thurs 9A-12P
440 Constitution Blvd
New Brighton PA 15066