In the realm of Occupational Health and Safety, annual medicals are more than just good practice—they are often a legal and regulatory requirement, especially in high-risk industries.

Understanding the legal framework

Depending on your industry, employers may be legally obligated to conduct periodic medicals. For example:

• Baseline and periodic medicals are mandatory in mining, construction, and chemical industries.
• Employees exposed to noise, dust, hazardous substances, or repetitive strain must undergo regular health surveillance.
• Drivers and operators must undergo fitness-to-work assessments to prevent accidents caused by medical conditions.

Failing to comply can result in:

• Regulatory penalties
• Loss of operating licenses
• Increased liability in compensation claims
• Damage to business reputation

Medicals as a prevention tool

The goal isn’t to remove unwell employees—it’s to identify risks early, accommodate needs, and keep people working safely. For instance:

• A worker with early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome can be referred for ergonomic intervention.
• A diabetic worker can receive support before complications impact their job performance.
• A driver with untreated sleep apnoea can be managed before fatigue leads to a fatal crash.

When interpreted by an occupational health team, annual medicals allow employers to make informed, ethical, and legal decisions about fitness to work—supporting both compliance and care.