University of Maryland, College Park Policy for Employee Preplacement Physical Examinations

A physical examination should be performed before the start of employment or, at the latest, prior to the end of the probationary period, for any employee whose position:

1. includes moderate to heavy physical labor, particularly frequent bending or regular lifting of over 25 pounds;
2. requires a certain level of physical fitness, either general or with respect to a specific body system, for example, vision; or
3. will place the worker at risk of exposure to physical, chemical or biological hazards.

The preplacement examination is for the purpose of employment, and is not intended to replace an annual physical examination by a personal physician. The reasons for performing preplacement and medical surveillance examinations are as follows:

1. to measure the medical fitness of individuals to perform their duties without hazard to themselves or others;
2. to assist individuals in the maintenance or improvement of their health;
3. to detect the effects of harmful working conditions and advise corrective measures;
4. to establish a record of the condition of the individual at the time of each examination.