Some roles require pre-employment medicals or checks before you can start—especially where safety, fitness, or site access requirements apply.
This guide explains what you might be asked to do, how to prepare, and what to expect. The aim is to take the uncertainty out of the process so a check becomes a routine step rather than a hurdle. Knowing what is usually assessed, and getting your documents and bookings sorted early, is the single biggest thing you can do to avoid delays to your start date.
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Key takeaways
- Not every job requires a medical—requirements vary by employer, site, and role type.
- Most delays happen when documents, bookings, or deadlines aren’t managed early.
- Ask what is being assessed (inherent requirements) and how results are handled.
- Prepare basics: ID, any requested documents, and follow clinic instructions.
- A check is usually about matching you safely to the role, not a judgement on your health in general.
Why do employers request medicals and checks?
Depending on the role, checks can help confirm you can safely perform inherent requirements of the job, meet site access standards, and manage safety-critical risks appropriately. On many industrial, mining and resources sites, the host or client sets these requirements as a condition of access, so they apply to everyone in that role category rather than to you personally.
Not every job requires a medical. Requirements vary by employer, site, and role type. The clearest place to check is the job ad itself, and you can always ask the recruiter what applies before you progress.
Common pre-employment checks (varies by role/site)
Document checks
- Right to work in Australia (identity and work rights evidence). Having your ID and work rights evidence ready is usually the quickest way to keep your onboarding moving.
- Licences and tickets relevant to the job (for example, driver licence, role-specific tickets). Make sure these are current and that you can produce copies if asked.
- Qualification verification (where required). Some roles confirm trade or other qualifications, so know where your certificates are if they are needed.
Background checks (sometimes required)
- Reference checks. Lining up referees and letting them know to expect a call helps this step move quickly.
- Police check. Some roles and sites require one, and it can take time to come back, so it is worth starting early when asked.
- Work history verification (role dependent). Be ready to confirm dates and employers accurately, as inconsistencies are a common cause of follow-up.
Medical and fitness checks (role dependent)
Examples that may be included:
- Health questionnaire
- Functional capacity assessment (lifting, bending, range of motion)
- Vision and hearing checks
- Musculoskeletal assessment
- Drug and alcohol screening
- Other role-specific checks (based on inherent requirements and site policies)
How the process usually works
- You’re told what’s required. You’ll usually receive instructions, booking details (or a provider), what to bring, and deadlines. Read these carefully, because missing a document or a booking window is the most common cause of a delayed start.
- You attend the appointment. Follow instructions carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. The clinic is there to assess against role requirements, so it is fine to ask what a particular test is for.
- Results are assessed for role requirements. Outcomes vary by process. If follow-up is required, you’ll typically be contacted with next steps.
How to prepare (simple checklist)
Before the appointment
- Bring photo ID. Most clinics will not proceed without it, so confirm what form of identification is accepted.
- Bring glasses/contact lenses if you use them. Vision checks are common, and they should reflect how you would actually do the job.
- Bring any relevant documentation requested. Read the instructions in full so you don’t arrive missing a form or a result that delays the assessment.
- Be honest on forms—accuracy matters. The assessment is about matching you safely to the role, and accurate information helps that happen rather than working against you.
On the day
- Sleep well and hydrate.
- Avoid heavy exercise immediately before (unless told otherwise).
- Follow any fasting or medication instructions provided by the clinic (if applicable).
What you should ask (if you’re unsure)
There is nothing wrong with asking questions before you attend — a good recruiter or employer will expect them. These are reasonable things to clarify:
- Is this medical mandatory for the role or site?
- What are the inherent job requirements being assessed?
- Who receives the results and how are they handled?
- What happens if follow-up is needed?
- Are there any conditions or medications I should mention before the assessment?
Related reading
- If you’re new to labour hire, start here: how labour hire works (Australia, jobseekers)
Helpful context pages
- Staffing services overview
- Energy and resources (roles that may have site requirements)
FAQ
Does a medical mean the employer thinks something is wrong?
Not necessarily. Many sites use standard checks for certain role categories, applied to everyone doing that work, so being asked to attend one is routine rather than a sign of concern about you specifically.
Can I be rejected based on a medical?
Outcomes depend on role requirements and the assessment process. If you have concerns, ask for clarification and consider seeking advice relevant to your situation.
How long do pre-employment checks take?
It varies by the type of check and the provider. Document and reference checks can be quick, while medicals and some screening may take longer to book and return. Responding promptly to requests and booking early is the best way to keep your timeline on track.
Next step
Search roles and review requirements in each job ad: Programmed jobs search
General information only: this article provides general information and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by employer, role, and site.
