Health Tests and Legal Processes, which are a Must when Entering the Workplace
Evaluating the suitability of employees' health conditions at work entrances is very important both from the point of view of occupational health and safety and work efficiency. For this reason, it has become a legal obligation for employers to conduct certain health tests for employee candidates during the recruitment process. In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 and the relevant regulations, employers are obliged to carry out the necessary health checks according to the nature of the work.
Here are the main health tests and legal processes that need to be done when entering the workplace:
1. Chest X-Ray (X-ray)
Why Is It Necessary?
A lung X-ray is used to determine whether the respiratory system of employees is healthy. Especially the lung health conditions of those working in dusty environments should be checked regularly. This test helps in the early detection of respiratory diseases and lung disorders.
Legal Basis:
A lung X-ray is a mandatory test for those who work in heavy and dangerous jobs. It may need to be done more often for those who work with carcinogenic and mutagen substances.
2. Respiratory Function Test
Why Is It Necessary?
A respiratory function test is performed to measure the employee's lung capacity and respiratory health. It is especially important for those who work with chemicals and those who are in dusty environments. This test is recommended in order to detect damage that may occur in the respiratory tract in advance.
Legal Basis:
Employers are obliged to make this test available to employees in jobs that may affect the respiratory tract. It should be repeated periodically with the regulations introduced by the Occupational Health and Safety Law.
3. Audiometry (Hearing Test)
Why Is It Necessary?
The hearing test is performed in order to protect the ear health of the employees. This test, which is mandatory especially for those who work in noisy environments, ensures that measures are taken to prevent hearing loss.
Legal Basis:
According to the Noise Regulation, employees working at a noise level of 85 dB and above are required to undergo periodic hearing tests. Employers are obliged to take this test at the entrance to work and at certain periods.
4. Blood Tests (Hematology and Biochemistry)
Why Is It Necessary?
Blood tests are performed to check the general health status of the employee. Examination of blood values, kidney functions, liver enzymes and other biochemical values provides information about the general health status of the employee. In this way, possible diseases can be prevented.
Legal Basis:
Blood tests of those who work in dangerous lines of work and especially those who work with chemical substances are mandatory within the scope of periodic health checks.
5. Vision Test
Why Is It Necessary?
Vision tests are performed to check the eye health of employees. Eye health is very important, especially for those who use vehicles, work with machines or work in sensitive jobs.
Legal Basis:
Vision tests may be mandatory according to the nature of the job within the scope of the Occupational Health and Safety Law and Work Regulations.
6. ECG (Electrocardiography)
Why Is It Necessary?
An ECG is a test to check heart health. It is especially important to evaluate heart health for those who work hard or do jobs that require intense physical exertion.
Legal Basis:
It is recommended that employees working in heavy and dangerous jobs undergo periodic ECG testing. This test helps to find out whether the employee is in a state of health suitable for work conditions.
Legal Processes
The Obligation to Obtain a Health Report on Entry to Work
Within the scope of the Occupational Health and Safety Law, employers are obliged to request a health report from employees on entering the workplace. This report can only be given by the OSGB (Joint Health Security Unit) or the workplace physician. Otherwise, the report is considered invalid. The employer is required to decide whether the employee is suitable for the job according to the report result.
Periodic Health Checks
Having the health status of the employees checked at regular intervals is also among the legal responsibilities of the employer. Decembers. The frequency of periodic controls is determined according to the risk situation of the job and the age of the employee. For example, for those who work in dangerous jobs, these checks are carried out once a year, while in less dangerous jobs it is enough to be carried out every three years.
Validity Period of the Report
The validity period of the health reports depends on the risk situation of the job. For those working in dangerous jobs, these reports are valid for 1 year; for less dangerous jobs, this period may extend up to 3 years.
Entrance to work health tests aim to protect the occupational safety and health of employees. Basic health tests such as lung X-ray, respiratory function test, audiometry, blood tests, vision test and ECG are important for checking the employee's health status and determining his/her suitability for work. Employers should have their employees' health status checked at regular intervals in compliance with legal December obligations. In this way, the risks of occupational accidents and occupational diseases can be minimized and a healthy working environment can be provided.
Üniversal OSGB
Occupational Safety and Worker Health Center