Top Mistakes People Make Before Their Medical — and How to Avoid Them

Whether you're new to high-risk industries or just starting a new role, your pre-employment medical is an important step in the onboarding process. It's not a test you "pass" or "fail" — it's about making sure you're fit for the demands of the job and identifying any risks early on.

That said, how you show up on the day matters. Being underprepared, stressed, or misinformed can impact your results and cause unnecessary delays in getting started.

Below, we’ll go through the most common mistakes people make before their medical — and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

1. Not Bringing the Right Paperwork

The mistake:
Turning up without ID, referral forms, or relevant medical documentation (like medication lists, specialist letters, or past injury reports).

Why it matters:
Missing paperwork can delay your assessment or lead to an incomplete report, especially if the provider doesn’t have the full picture of your health.

How to avoid it:
Double-check what documents you need to bring when you receive your booking confirmation. If you’re unsure, call ahead and ask.

2. Withholding Health Information

The mistake:
Leaving out previous injuries, conditions, or medications because you’re worried it might cost you the job.

Why it matters:
The assessment is about safety, not judgment. If something goes unreported and causes an issue at work, it can put you and others at risk — and may not be covered by insurance or workers comp.

How to avoid it:
Be honest. Medical professionals are there to assess risk and support you — not to disqualify you unfairly. Being upfront often leads to workable solutions, not outright exclusion.

3. Consuming Caffeine, Energy Drinks, or Alcohol Beforehand

The mistake:
Having a strong coffee, pre-workout, or alcohol the night before your medical.

Why it matters:
Caffeine and stimulants can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. Alcohol can interfere with your liver function or show up on a drug and alcohol screen.

How to avoid it:
Avoid caffeine for at least 2–3 hours before your appointment, and don’t drink alcohol the night before. Stick to water, rest well, and eat a balanced meal.

4. Not Taking Medications as Prescribed

The mistake:
Skipping medications to appear “healthier” on the day of your medical.

Why it matters:
Not taking prescribed medications can actually create abnormal results — especially for conditions like blood pressure, asthma, or diabetes. It may raise red flags that wouldn't appear if you're stable on your regular treatment.

How to avoid it:
Take your medications as you normally would unless advised otherwise by your doctor. If in doubt, bring a list of your meds and speak to the assessor.

5. Wearing the Wrong Clothing

The mistake:
Turning up in clothing that's restrictive or inappropriate for physical testing.

Why it matters:
If your assessment includes a functional capacity test (like lifting, squatting, or stepping), you need to be able to move freely and safely.

How to avoid it:
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-in shoes, like you would for a gym session or physical work.

6. Not Understanding the Job Requirements

The mistake:
Not knowing what the job involves physically or mentally, which makes it hard to explain your capabilities.

Why it matters:
The assessment is tailored to the demands of the specific role. If you can’t clearly say what you’re expected to do, the assessor might not be able to give an accurate fitness recommendation.

How to avoid it:
Have a basic understanding of the role you're being assessed for — including things like manual tasks, shift lengths, PPE, or environmental conditions.

7. Arriving Late or Rushed

The mistake:
Being flustered, running late, or arriving with no time to settle in.

Why it matters:
Rushing in can spike your blood pressure or heart rate and affect results. It also puts stress on the staff and could lead to rescheduling.

How to avoid it:
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early, with everything you need. Give yourself time to breathe and settle before your name is called.

Conclusion

Pre-employment medicals aren’t meant to trip you up — they’re there to make sure you’re safe, supported, and ready for the job ahead. Most of the common mistakes are easy to avoid with a bit of preparation and clear communication.

Bring the right documents, be honest about your health, and treat the appointment like part of your job readiness. A little prep goes a long way in keeping the process smooth, stress-free, and in your favour.