Recruitment does not end with interviews and references. Ensuring a candidate is medically capable of performing the role safely is a critical final step. 

At EHS International, we deliver structured, role-aligned Pre-Employment Medicals in Ireland that help organisations onboard new employees with clarity and confidence. Our approach is practical, proportionate and built around the operational realities of modern workplaces. 

From construction and engineering to pharmaceuticals, logistics and manufacturing, we support employers who need certainty before mobilisation. 

What Is a Pre-Employment Medical? 

A pre-employment medical is an occupational health assessment completed before a new hire commences work. 

Its purpose is to determine whether the individual is fit to perform the essential duties of the position and to identify any reasonable adjustments or safeguards that may be required. 

It is not about excluding candidates. Pre-Employment Medicals are about protecting people, projects and compliance standards from preventable risk. 

What our Pre-Employment Medicals Cover:

What Our Assessments Cover 

Each assessment is tailored to the specific physical, environmental and safety demands of the role. 

Core Medical Screening 

• Detailed health questionnaire review 

• Clinical assessment and general health indicators 

• Musculoskeletal evaluation relevant to job tasks 

• Cardiovascular and fitness overview 

Functional Testing Where Required 

• Vision screening for safety sensitive roles 

• Hearing tests for noise-exposed environments 

• Respiratory assessment for dust or chemical exposure 

• Drug and alcohol testing, where company policy applies 

Safety Critical and Specialist Assessments 

We provide enhanced medicals for: 

• Site-based and construction personnel 

• Operators of plant and machinery 

• Professional drivers and fleet employees 

• Laboratory and chemical industry roles 

• Night workers and shift-based teams 

Our reports are clear and decision-focused, confirming fitness for work with or without restrictions. 

Why Employers Choose EHS International 

EHS International has extensive experience supporting Irish organisations across high-risk and regulated sectors. Our occupational health services integrate seamlessly with wider environmental, health and safety compliance programmes. 

Clients value our: 

• Efficient scheduling to protect recruitment timelines 

• Straightforward fitness-for-work outcomes 

• Confidential and GDPR-compliant data handling 

• Nationwide service delivery 

• Understanding of sector-specific risk profiles 

We prioritise clarity and practicality. Employers receive a definitive outcome that supports safe onboarding. 

Supporting Legal and Compliance Obligations 

Employers in Ireland are required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to protect employee health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable. 

Pre-employment medicals form part of a proactive compliance strategy by: 

• Demonstrating due diligence 

• Matching medical capability to job demands 

• Reducing foreseeable injury risk 

• Supporting safer workforce mobilisation 

All assessments are conducted with informed consent and handled in strict confidence. 

When Are Pre-Employment Medicals Recommended? 

Medical screening is particularly advisable where roles involve: 

• Manual handling or repetitive strain 

• Working at height 

• Operation of vehicles or heavy equipment 

• Exposure to hazardous substances 

• Physically demanding tasks 

• Rotational or night shift patterns 

If your organisation is expanding, mobilising projects or onboarding contractors, early assessment reduces disruption later. 

Efficient Turnaround, Minimal Disruption 

Most pre-employment medicals are completed within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the scope of testing required. 

We understand recruitment pressures. Our reporting process is designed to provide timely outcomes that allow onboarding to proceed without unnecessary delay. 

Employers in Ireland are legally obliged to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (as set out by the Health and Safety Authority). This legislation requires employers to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that workers are fit for the demands of their roles and that risks to health and safety are identified and controlled. Conducting structured pre-employment medicals helps demonstrate due diligence under this Act by matching job demands with an individual’s medical capability, identifying necessary adjustments, and reducing the likelihood of workplace injury or illness. For more detail on the legal duties imposed by the Act, see the official guidance here.

Book Pre-Employment Medicals in Ireland 

If you are recruiting and require structured, compliant and role-specific occupational health assessments, our team is ready to support you. 

021 206 6006
[email protected]
Contact us online to schedule an assessment 

EHS International. Protecting people. Supporting compliance. Enabling safe mobilisation. 

Contact us today via email [email protected] or call us on 01-9058899 (Dublin) or call us on 021-206 6006 (Cork). . Lets Talk !

Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Employment Medicals | EHS International

1. What is a pre-employment medical?

A pre-employment medical is an occupational health assessment carried out before a candidate starts work. It determines whether the individual is medically fit to perform the essential duties of the role safely and effectively.

The assessment may also identify whether any reasonable workplace adjustments are required.

2. Are pre-employment medicals mandatory in Ireland?

Pre-employment medicals are not required for every role. However, they are strongly recommended for safety critical, physically demanding or regulated positions.

Employers have a duty under Irish health and safety legislation to ensure employees are capable of carrying out their work safely. A medical assessment can help demonstrate due diligence where risk is present.

3. What does a pre-employment medical include?

The scope of the assessment depends on the role. It may include:

• Medical history review

• General clinical assessment

• Musculoskeletal evaluation

• Vision and hearing tests

• Respiratory or lung function testing

• Drug and alcohol screening, where required

Each medical is aligned with the specific demands of the job.

4. How long does a pre-employment medical take?

Most assessments take between 30 and 60 minutes. If specialist testing is required, it may take slightly longer.

Fitness for work outcomes are typically issued promptly to support onboarding timelines.

5. Will the employer receive full medical details?

No. Employers receive a fitness for work outcome, not detailed medical records.

Reports will typically confirm one of the following:

• Fit for work

• Fit for work with recommendations

• Temporarily unfit

• Unfit for role

All personal health information is handled confidentially and in line with GDPR.

6. Can a job offer be withdrawn after a medical?

Job offers are usually made subject to medical clearance. If a candidate is found to be unfit for the essential duties of the role and reasonable adjustments are not feasible, the offer may be reconsidered.

Any decision must be proportionate, fair and legally compliant.

7. Do office-based roles require pre-employment medicals?

Not always. For low risk office roles, a full medical assessment may not be necessary.

However, screening may still be advisable where the role includes driving, travel, manual handling or prolonged workstation use.

8. What sectors benefit most from pre-employment medicals?

Pre-employment medicals are particularly valuable in:

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Pharmaceutical and chemical industries

• Logistics and transport

• Utilities and engineering

• Safety critical environments

These sectors often involve higher physical or operational risk.

9. Where are the medicals carried out?

EHS International offers flexible delivery options, including clinical settings and arrangements aligned to employer requirements. Nationwide coverage can be provided depending on workforce location.

10. How do we arrange pre-employment medicals for our organisation?

You can contact EHS International directly to discuss your workforce requirements. Our team will review the job profile, advise on appropriate screening levels and schedule assessments accordingly.

Early engagement helps prevent delays during recruitment and mobilisation phases.

Contact us today via email [email protected] or call us on 01-9058899 (Dublin) or call us on 021-206 6006 (Cork). . Lets Talk !