Medical appointments at the request of your employer: your rights and obligations

Do I need to attend a medical appointment organised by my employer?

Employers will usually ask an employee to undergo a medical examination when:

1. the employee has had a work injury and is wanting to return to work;
2. the employee wants to return to work on full duties after a period on suitable duties;
3. the employee has been on sick leave for an extended period; and/or
4. the employee has had work restrictions for a long period of time.

What does “employer has a duty of care” mean?

An employer has a duty of care to protect their employees from foreseeable injury arising from their employment and to maintain a working environment which is safe and without risks to health.

This means that they have the obligation to ensure that employees are medically fit to perform the inherent requirements of their job. Generally, it is lawful and reasonable for an employer to request that an employee submit to a medical examination by a company nominated doctor. However, there must be a genuine indication of a need for a medical examination.

Determining whether there is a genuine need for you to attend a medical examination

The following factors should be taken into consideration when deciding if there is a genuine need for you to attend a medical examination:

1. Is the injury or illness for which you are absent from work, related to the inherent requirements of your position?
2. Have had prolonged and/or unexplained absences from work?
3. Have you already provided information to your employer regarding fitness to perform duties?
4. Are inconsistencies or absences in medical certificates which have been provided to the employer?
5. What is the nature of your workplace and the degree of associated risk with performing your work?
6. Does the employer have legitimate concerns that the illness or injury will impact on others in the workplace?

It’s important to gather as much information as possible about the nature of the proposed medical examination before deciding whether or not you will attend.

The issue of whether or not it is lawful to direct an employee to undergo a medical examination really needs to be looked at on a case by case basis.

Get help

If your ability to work has been impacted by injury or illness, we can help. We provide services across Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory.

You can contact us by phone or email to arrange your consultation; either face-to-face at one of our offices, by telephone or by videoconference consultation.

Phone: 1800 659 114
Email: general@hallpayne.com.au