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Exit Medical Examinations for Employees

Exit Medical Lady

Medical examinations must play a very important role in a company. Healthy employees are more productive. This is not the only reason you need to ensure that your employee medical examination are up to date. A very important certificate is the exit medical examinations. Exit medical examinations can save your company a lot of money in the future. On this page, we will look at the importance of the fitness certificate.

The Suggested Flow Of Medical Examination in a Company

Firstly, most companies will start with a basic pre-employment medical examination. This will help determine the health status of the new staff member. This test can also serve as proof of the employees’ health at the time he/she join the company.

Secondly, for existing employees, a company can start with a baseline medical. This will serve the same purpose. It will also be used as a benchmark for all future certificates. A baseline medical will be used again in the future. It will be used to compare old and new certificates. Once a baseline or routine check was performed, the follow-up examinations are known as routine medicals. Routine medicals must be done yearly. In some cases it will be required more often. This will depend on the working conditions and status of the employee.

Lastly, when an employee is terminated, an exit medical examination must be performed. This will protect your company against future claims. It will serve as proof of the employees’ health when he/she left your company. IN some industries, exit medicals are compulsory.

Exit Medicals & the Law

In terms of section 17 of the MHSA, employers are required to arrange an exit medical for employees. Failure to comply with the act can result in a maximum fine of up to 1 million ZAR. The act requires employers to arrange an exit medical regardless of the reason of termination.
In terms of the act, the employer must arrange an exit medical within 30 days of termination.

1. The employer will be held responsible for the cost of the exit medical.
2. All exit medicals must be performed by a qualified OHS practitioner.
3. Both the employee and employer must obtain a copy of the fitness certificate.
4. The Employee will be responsible to attend the exit medical.
Section 17 of the MHSA places the responsibility to attend the exit medical on the employee. The employer will be required to arrange the exit medical. It’s the employees responsibility to attend.

Why is Exit Medical Examination Important?

Firstly, it will protect your company. We often see employees try and claim for ill health. This might not be as a result of working conditions. The employer will have to provide proof that the employee underwent medical surveillance. The certificate will also act as proof of the employees’ medical status when they left the company.

Secondly, it’s a legal requirement in certain industries. It’s not a nice to have in your company. The good news is your employees can be more productive if they are healthy. It can also indicate if an employee is in the right position.

Conclusion

Life Aid is one of a handful of companies that have a qualified OHS practitioner in-house. Our OHS practitioner has more than 30 years’ experience in the field. We can perform an on-site exit medical examination if there are enough staff members that can attend.

For more information about our exit medical examinations, please complete our basic contact form. We will provide you with all the information you need.