The least costly injury is the one that never occurs. Post-Offer
Employment Testing (POET) focuses on determining whether an individual
is physically capable of performing a specific job to proactively
minimize the risk of injury. POETs have also been called Physical
Abilities Tests, Pre-Placement Tests, Pre-Work Screens, Fitness for Duty
Tests, Physical Demands Tests and Worker Selection Tests.
The
goal of employment testing has always been to hire individuals
physically capable of performing the essential job functions; however,
in the past, some employment decisions have been based on stereotypes
and medical conditions - stereotypes including age, gender and "healthy"
appearance among others. Medical conditions including spine arthritis
or degeneration identified on X-ray, high blood pressure and disability
or disease are not good indicators of the candidate's ability to perform
the physical tasks of the job. To properly assess this ability, the use
of tests that measure an individual's physical abilities must be valid,
job related and consistent with business necessity.
What are the employer's needs when hiring?
- To comply with all federal legislation
- To hire healthy and productive workers
- To ensure workers are placed in jobs they are capable of performing
- To prevent and reduce injuries and associated costs
Since
the results of functional tests can be used in the hiring decision,
certain legal standards and laws must be considered when setting up a
POET Program:
- Uniform Guidelines of Employee Selection Procedures
- Title VII - Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (1967)
- Americans with Disabilities Act - (1990)
Please contact the Post-Offer Employment Testing Program with any questions.