MaineGeneral Health - Your Resource for Life - Workplace Health Our Services
September 5, 2008
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office photo Our Locations:
Augusta, ME
Waterville, ME:

For driving directions to our locations select either the Waterville or Augusta link above.
Preplacement Evaluations:
Pre-placement Physical Assessments
The pre-placement (post offer) assessement is conducted for the purpose of determining whether the employee is capable of performing the essential functions of the job. Pre-placement physical assessments help to determine the capabilities of employees to perform the essential functions of their job safely, with minimal risk to that employee or to other employees in their facility.

  1. Physical examination - to assess an individual's medical status and physical capabilities in relation to specific job requirements. The exam will focus on the individual’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job. The exam includes:

    Medical and health history questionnaire (completed by the individual prior to the exam)
    Vision screening
    Exam by medical provider

  2. Pre-placement functional assessments
    Functional assessment is an important component of the pre-placement physical exam. These assessments assist employers in placing employees in jobs that are physically suitable for them. Each assessment will be tailored to the type of work to be performed, i.e., individuals required to perform physical labor will receive additional emphasis for lifting, carrying, repetitive motion etc.
Job Rating Questionnaire – is used by Workplace Health to determine the essential functions of the job for each assessment. A job rating questionnaire for each job must be completed and provided to Workplace Health prior to the pre-placement exam.

The purpose of the medical exam
The medical examination should evaluate those abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. The medical exam is designed to meet the following criteria:

The medical exam is to be conducted after an offer of employment has been made, but before the applicant begins work.
Exams must be administered equally to all prospective employees entering the same job category.
The only information obtained from the medical examination that should be conveyed to the employer is the opinion of the examining provider as to whether the prospective employee is either able or unable to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Any medical history or physical condition that does not pertain to the employee’s present ability to perform the essential functions of the job must not be disclosed to the employer and must be kept confidential.

The employer's role

The employer must make an offer of employment to the applicant prior to the physical exam which must take place before the applicant begins work.
A copy of the current job description along with the completed job rating questionnaire must be provided to Workplace Health. This information enables Workplace Health to determine the physical qualifications to perform the essential functions of the job.
The employer is responsible for making all hiring decisions.
It is strongly suggested that employer seek legal counsel to determine the employer’s responsibilities under the ADA and Maine Human Rights Act.

The medical provider's role
A Workplace Health provider makes the determination as to whether the applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job as stated in the job rating questionnaire and job description. Workplace Health will provide the following information:

Applicant is cleared to do the essential functions of the job.
Applicant is not cleared to do the essential functions of the job.
Applicant is cleared with reasonable accommodation.

Workplace Health medical providers may also provide recommendations for accommodation.