Posted By Daorm Hi all, I have a lot riding on getting new job and would appreciate any guidance. I completed a pre-employment medical form for my new job and they have summoned me for a medical with a doctor. I find this a little confusing as I have no medical problems that I believe would hinder me to do the job (it is lab and office work). I asked the HR dept if this is usual and they inform me that about one in ten have a medical and that it isn't on a quota basis. I put down that I had a couple of days off in my previous job ue to a mild concussion.. would this be the reason for the medical? They are allowing me to start employment (the medical is a couple of weeks later) and I am informed that my offer of employment will be withdrawn if the doctor does not give a satisfactory report. I also declared hayfever as well as going on stop smoking medication. I can't see what the OH people are concerned about... any ideas?

Posted By Andrew Wilson Daorm, Within my company all new employees, including agency staff undergo a pre-employment medical prior to them commencing work. This not only provides a base-line for the health of an employee for subsequent testing such as audiometry (if you do not know before, how can you prove the claim for NIHL was not due to exposure at your place of work) and secondly it also provides information to the medical suitability of the candidate to undertake the job they are to be employed in. Thirdly it can also be a good measure for demonstrating the company's commitment to the employees welfare ad also as an early indicator if the individual has a un-diagnosed problem.

Posted By Daorm Thanks all for your comments... fingers crossed it will all go well!

Posted By Chris Packham Can I clarify some facts about allergies? If you are allergic to a specific substance, it is only to that substance (with certain limited exceptions where what are called cross reactions can occasionally occur). Unless that substance is present in the new workplace, there is no danger of any reaction. Nor does the fact that you have become allergic to one substance mean that you are particularly prone to becoming allergic to something else. The only tests for determining allergies are very specific and detect only whether the person is already sensitised. They cannot predict future sensitisation.