What is a Pre Employment Functional Assessment and Why is It Important?

You’ve made it through the interviews and impressed your potential new employer. You’ve even received a job offer—pending one final step: a pre-employment functional assessment. If you’re scratching your head wondering what that means or what it involves, you’re not alone. While not every role requires one, pre employment functional assessments are becoming increasingly common in industries where physical capability and safety are a priority.

But what exactly is it? Why do companies ask for it? And what should you expect on the day? Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer thinking about implementing one, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What is Pre Employment Functional Assessment?

A pre-employment functional assessment (PEFA) is a type of health and physical capacity examination designed to determine a candidate’s ability to safely and successfully perform the physical responsibilities associated with a particular occupation. No, it is not a general health check but rather one that is specific to the workplace role you are applying for.

This is usually performed by an occupational physiotherapist or a health professional and involves testing your strength, flexibility, mobility, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and capacity for repetitive movements.

Instead of merely ascertaining whether you are fit or unfit, a PEFA assesses how well your physical health meets the job requirements and whether any precautions should be taken or concessions given.

The evaluation usually entails the following:

1. Evaluation of Job Requirements: The professional will be well-versed in the physical demands of the job. This entails the amount of weight to be lifted, the frequency, duration, and movements, as well as the postures or abilities of the senses involved, such as long-standing, frequent arm movements, fine motor skills, and hearing alarms (e.g.).

2. Physical Capacity Testing: You will be required to complete a series of tests directly simulating or assessing specific aspects of these job tasks. As an example, one can mention:

• Lifting and Carrying: Demonstrating how you would safely lift and carry objects of varying weights from different heights (e.g., floor to waist, waist to shoulder).
• Bending, Squatting, Reaching: Evaluating your flexibility and stability for tasks requiring these movements.
• Fine Motor Skills: For roles requiring dexterity, testing hand-eye coordination or manipulation of small objects.

3. Medical History Review: This is a brief review of your real-life medical history, which can indicate any pre-existing conditions that may impact your ability and must be taken into consideration.

4. Technique: The assessor will observe how your technique works, so he is searching for safe body mechanics and good ways of lifting anything, not only to check whether you can put some weight.

Why Is a Pre-Employment Functional Assessment So Important?

For both the employer and the candidate, the benefits of a pre-employment functional assessment are significant and far-reaching:

For the Employer:

1. Injury Prevention: This is the primary driver. By ensuring candidates can safely perform job demands, employers significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries, strains, and sprains – which are costly in terms of human suffering, lost productivity, and insurance premiums.
2. Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism: A good physical match to the job means healthier employees, leading to fewer sick days (absenteeism) and less time spent at work feeling unwell and unproductive (presenteeism).
3. Legal Compliance and Duty of Care: Employers have an ethical and legal responsibility to manage a safe working atmosphere. PEFAs demonstrate due diligence in assessing fitness for duty and can support compliance with health and safety regulations.
4. Reduced Workers’ Compensation Claims: Proactive assessments can lead to fewer work-related injuries, thereby reducing the number and cost of workers’ compensation claims.
5. Improved Productivity and Efficiency: When employees are physically suited to their roles, they can perform their duties more efficiently and effectively, contributing to overall operational productivity.
6. Informed Decision-Making for Reasonable Adjustments: If a candidate has a limitation, the PEFA provides objective data to help the employer understand what “reasonable adjustments” might be needed to enable them to perform the job safely, fostering an inclusive workplace.

For the Candidate:

1. Ensuring a Safe Job Fit for YOU: This is the most critical benefit. The assessment helps ensure you’re not entering a role that could exacerbate an existing condition, lead to a new injury, or cause long-term pain. It’s about protecting your body and your health.
2. Confidence in Your Role: Knowing that you’ve been assessed and deemed capable of safely performing the job’s physical demands can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety about starting a new role.
3. Opportunity for Dialogue on Adjustments: If the assessment identifies a potential challenge, it opens a transparent conversation about how the employer can support you with reasonable adjustments, enabling you to thrive in the role.
4. Long-Term Career Sustainability: By being placed in a role that is physically appropriate for your capabilities, you are more likely to have a longer, healthier, and more comfortable career path.

Hence, a pre-employment functional assessment is a valuable tool for creating a safe, productive, and sustainable workforce. By understanding its purpose and approaching it openly, both employers and candidates can ensure the right person is in the right role, safely and effectively.

Also read: Debunked Myths of Criminal Background Check for Employment