The preplacement evaluation.

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, the preplacement evaluation has undergone considerable evolution under the influence of regulatory and economic pressures. Formally used by some employers to screen out applicants who might have represented the mere possibility of a future work-related injury, the modern-day preplacement evaluation is legally restricted to only two determinations: (1) whether the individual can perform essential job functions with or without accommodation and (2) whether the individual represents a direct threat to himself or herself or others. Truly enlightened companies also recognize that other benefits accrue from a properly designed, conscientiously performed preplacement evaluation, perhaps the most important of which is to promote worker health, in the certain recognition that healthy employees are more productive ones. This benefit may be the true purpose of the preplacement evaluation and its most enduring, tangible benefit.