Periodic examinations – important not only for the employer

We all have one thing in common: health. We all know this, and we wish health for ourselves and others. But taking care of it isn't so easy. Work and responsibilities can sometimes be more important. And in reality, one depends on the other. Due to the pandemic, the requirement for periodic medical checkups was suspended, but it has been reinstated since July 1st of this year. Employees who don't have up-to-date medical checkups are obligated to do so.

Why are periodic examinations so important?

It's difficult to list all the benefits of such tests. They serve to assess an employee's health. Periodic tests allow us to determine whether our health condition is interfering with our work and how this work impacts our test results. Above all, they allow for early diagnosis. This applies to both serious illnesses and minor bodily abnormalities. They don't take long to perform. What's more, they are performed during working hours. Pure profit!

What do you need to know about work and periodic examinations?

Tests are performed based on an employer's referral. The scope of the tests is defined by a regulation issued by the Minister of Health , and the occupational medicine physician may expand the range of recommended tests depending on the patient's health condition and the type of work performed. On the day of the test, the employee is entitled to a day off, for which they receive remuneration. The employer and is obligated to cover the costs.

Are employee medical examinations necessary?

Above all, they are important! They are also the responsibility of every employee. Requesting them is considered an official order. Employers should not allow anyone whose tests are not up to date to work (the consequence is a fine). Failure to comply with the request to undergo tests will result in unpleasant consequences, including termination of the employment contract.

What is the scope of employee testing?

The scope of tests depends primarily on the nature of the work performed. They are conducted based on a referral from the employer , who identifies harmful and burdensome factors present or absent in a given workplace. These may include laboratory tests or consultations with specialists. The occupational medicine physician is the final expert. During the final visit to the workplace, the physician issues a medical certificate , confirming the absence or existence of contraindications to performing work.

When and what occupational medicine tests should be performed?

Newly hired employees and employees transferred to other positions where harmful factors or strenuous conditions are present are subject to initial medical examinations . In addition, the employee is subject to periodic and follow-up examinations. 

Periodic examinations are performed on the date indicated by the occupational medicine physician. 

Follow-up examinations are performed in the event of an illness-related incapacity for work lasting longer than 30 days. Periodic examinations should be performed no more frequently than once a year and no less frequently than every five years.

We often lack time to take care of our health. Whenever possible, we postpone tests until as late as possible, and then often forget about them altogether. Employee health checkups are not popular, and are often associated with a chore. However, they may be the only opportunity to detect health problems at an early stage. 

We invite you to take advantage of Luxmed's services. We've launched a dedicated Occupational Medicine hotline – 81 536 15 15 – and online appointment bookings are available at luxmedlublin.pl. 

See also: What preventive tests are worth doing? Test calendar