23 October 2008
Media Release
One in Four Workers Fail Basic Fitness Medicals
“A recent review of Pre Employment Medical data has shown that around 25% of all people are not fit for the role they
are applying for. “Says Dr Jim McLeod, Director of Company Health Services.
“Given the ongoing education and promotion of healthy lifestyles it is astonishing that so many New Zealanders are
unfit” Says Dr Jim.
“The Pre Employment medicals cover a variety of tests and regularly highlight diabetes, high blood pressure and other
health issues. This twenty five percent of the working population that are putting their lives at risk; can in the
majority of cases significantly reduce these health issues simply by making a few minor lifestyle changes.”
“Our basic recommendations remain the same – stop smoking, watch what you eat and exercise daily” Says Dr Jim.
“The Pre Employment Medical is used by employers to determine candidates’ fitness and suitability for the job they have
applied to do. These medicals sometimes will highlight unexpected health issues; which may not necessarily affect their
job but will impact their ongoing health. An example could be diabetes or high blood pressure.”
Company Health Services (www.chsl.co.nz) provides total Health, Safety & Wellness Solutions. As a market leader it provides true nationwide coverage from full turn-key Health, Safety & Wellness Solutions across multiple high risk workplaces, through to single service solutions such as workplace
vacations or pre-employment testing.
Company Health Services has recently established a presence in the South Auckland community by forming a partnership
with two of New Zealands leading private medical providers – East Tamaki HealthCare and White Cross Accident & Medical.
ENDS