preemployment screening

see health screening

the checking of employees’ health to ensure they are fit for work. Health screening can take the form of preemployment screening, which takes place after a new employee has been appointed, but before employment commences. It also is a feature of occupational health programs and involves the monitoring of employee health at work. This is particularly important if the work involves hazardous substances or strenuous physical conditions. Health screening can also be used, for example, to detect substance abuse or to carry out eyesight tests for users of VDUs.

the well-being of employees at work. An occupational health service is concerned with reacting to and preventing work-related illness and injury, and with maintaining and improving employees’ health. Occupational health may involve some or all of these elements: health screening, including preemployment screening (see health screening); monitoring compliance with health and safety legislation; health promotion activities; and initiating and maintaining health-related policies. There may be some overlap with employee assistance programs. An occupational health service strives to reduce absenteeism and improve employee morale and performance.