Can an employer mandate a medical examination as a condition of employment?

An employer can mandate a medical examination as a condition of employment if it is relevant to the specific job. This practice is typically justified when the health status of an employee directly affects their ability to safely perform their job duties or poses a risk to others in the workplace. For instance, positions in industries such as construction, healthcare, or other physically demanding jobs may require medical assessments to ensure that employees can perform tasks without endangering themselves or others.

It is essential for the employer to ensure that any medical examination is conducted in a fair and consistent manner, with an understanding of the legal implications surrounding privacy rights and discrimination. The examination must be job-related and consistent with business necessity, aligning with the guidelines set out in employment law. This means that if an employer can demonstrate that an examination is pertinent to the job being performed and necessary to protect workplace safety, they are legally justified in requiring it as a condition of employment.