Many Japanese companies welcome new employees in April, but their medical examinations are not always conducted as required by laws. This article considers common misunderstanding about physical checkup for new employees.
[1] Purpose of medical examinations at the time of hiring
Medical examinations at the time of hiring must be conducted to understand whether new employees require special health consideration when they are assigned to departments and to obtain basic information regarding health management after the workers joined companies. In the meantime, annual health examinations are conducted to check employees’ health conditions regularly, take necessary measures and prevent brain or heart problems or worsening of life style-related disorders.
There are cases where companies skip new employees’ medical examinations, particularly when regular checkups are scheduled soon after hiring. Please note that companies are legally required to conduct medical examinations of new employees. Items that were included in the examination at the time of hiring may be omitted from regular checkups conducted within one year.
[2] When to conduct check for new employees
Laws prescribe that companies are legally required to provide medical examination “when employing a worker.” Although there is no specific rule on exactly when, it must be done right before or after the date of employment without delay.
If a worker has taken a checkup by a physician within 3 months prior to hiring and submitted a document certifying the result, examination at the time of hiring may be skipped. The Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health provides necessary check items that must be included in the examination. Companies should confirm these items are fully covered and conduct an additional check if necessary.
[3] Applicable workers
Some companies exclude part-time workers from medical check at the time of employment. According to the rules, applicable workers are “regular employees” who satisfy both of the conditions below.
1. Workers under an employment contract for a non-fixed term (*)
2. Workers whose weekly working hours are three-fourth or more of those of full-time workers who engage in the same type of duties in the same workplace.
* In the case of fixed-term contract for one year or more, workers expected to be employed or have been employed for one year or more.
Please reexamine if medical examinations are conducted appropriately and make changes if necessary.
*The information is based on laws and regulations as of the date of the original article.
