Musculoskeletal Assessment for Pre-Employment and Occupational Health Medicals

Ensuring Workforce Readiness and Injury Prevention

At Djinda Health, our pre-employment and occupational medicals include a thorough musculoskeletal assessment to evaluate a candidate’s physical capacity to safely meet the physical demands of their role. These assessments play a critical role in reducing workplace injuries, improving productivity, and supporting long-term workforce health.

What is a Musculoskeletal (MSK) Assessment?

A musculoskeletal assessment is a clinical evaluation of the body's bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. It focuses on:

  • Posture

  • Joint range of motion

  • Muscle strength and endurance

  • Flexibility

  • Balance and coordination

  • Movement patterns

Our clinicians assess both functional movement and structural alignment to detect any limitations or risk factors that may impact an employee’s ability to perform safely.

Why Include MSK Assessments in Pre-Employment Medicals?

Many job roles require lifting, standing, bending, repetitive movements, or maintaining awkward postures. A musculoskeletal screening helps determine if the candidate is:

✅ Fit for duty
✅ At risk of injury
✅ Likely to require job modifications
✅ Able to meet inherent physical job demands

This is especially important in industries such as:

  • Construction

  • Transport and logistics

  • Mining and resources

  • Manufacturing

  • Health and aged care

  • Warehousing and distribution

Benefits of MSK Screening for Employers and Employees

✔ Injury Prevention
Identifies physical limitations that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), sprains, or overuse injuries.

✔ Reduced Workers’ Compensation Claims
By identifying risks before employment, businesses can reduce injury-related absences and claims.

✔ Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Helps meet Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations and risk management under Safe Work Australia guidelines.

✔ Tailored Job Placement
Enables better matching of workers to suitable roles or tasks.

✔ Improved Productivity
Healthy employees perform better, with reduced fatigue and strain.

✔ Baseline Data for Future Reference
Provides a documented record of a worker’s pre-existing physical condition.

What Does a Musculoskeletal Assessment Involve?

At Djinda Health, our MSK assessments are conducted by qualified healthcare professionals and may include:

  • Medical History Review (e.g., previous injuries, surgeries, chronic pain)

  • Postural Assessment (e.g., spinal alignment, weight distribution)

  • Joint Range of Motion Tests (neck, shoulders, hips, knees, spine)

  • Muscle Strength Testing (grip strength, lower/upper limb testing)

  • Functional Movement Tests (squats, lifts, reaches, balance)

  • Job Task Simulation (where applicable, lifting/carrying trials)

Each test is aligned to the inherent physical requirements of the role.

Optional Add-Ons or Role-Specific Variations

  • Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) for more detailed roles

  • Manual Handling Risk Assessment

  • Neck, Shoulder & Back Screening for sedentary workers or drivers

  • Fit Testing for PPE-related roles (e.g., respirator use)

Common Outcomes of the MSK Assessment

  • Fit for Duties – No Restrictions

  • Fit for Duties – With Recommendations

  • Unfit – Not Suitable for Role

  • Further Assessment Recommended (e.g., physio referral, FCE)

A clear, detailed report is provided to employers, maintaining confidentiality and aligning with privacy and anti-discrimination laws.

Why Choose Djinda Health?

✅ Experienced occupational health team
✅ WA-based and Indigenous-owned
✅ Fast turnaround reports
✅ Job-matched screening protocols
✅ Integrated with our full pre-employment medical suite

Book a Musculoskeletal Assessment Today

Support your team with safe, evidence-based hiring decisions. Contact Djinda Health today to schedule a pre-employment medical or include a musculoskeletal assessment in your recruitment process.