At WHA we listen. We listen to our clients. We listen to our candidates. We read all the enquiry forms coming through from the WHA website. We have client meetings. We have in-depth conversations with people while on the ground at industry events. And we have noticed some common trends and thought if this is coming up so often, I wonder how many people are thinking about it but haven’t even asked yet. This is how the WHA myth buster’s series was born earlier this year. A monthly post offering a better understanding for both businesses and individuals around occupational health, assessments, requirements and the overall experience. What seems like a fun idea is actually critical information, which is why we decided to compile our myths so far and publish them in this one article. HERE ARE 6 COMMON MYTHS WHA IS BUSTING: 🚫 MYTH: Workplace health assessments slow down hiring. ✅ FACT: They speed it up and protect your business long term! Assessments are designed to support efficiency, not slow it down. By identifying risks early, you avoid costly injuries, unplanned downtime and disruptions that can derail productivity later on. Investing upfront means a safer workforce, smoother onboarding and long term confidence in every hire. With fast appointment availability, quick turnaround times and streamlined processes, WHA keeps your hiring pipeline moving. 🚫 MYTH: If someone fails a pre-employment medical, they can’t be hired. ✅ FACT: Most outcomes aren’t a “fail”, they’re fit with conditions. Workplace health assessments aren’t about excluding candidates. They’re about understanding risk and finding safe ways to work. In many cases, simple adjustments, role modifications or targeted controls allow capable people to perform their role safely and effectively. By identifying needs early, employers can make informed decisions, reduce injury risk and support long-term performance, without losing strong candidates. 🚫 MYTH: Only physically demanding roles require a medical. ✅ FACT: All roles, including office-based positions, benefit from medical assessments! Workplace health assessments aren’t just for hard-hat workers, they are for all businesses. Whether its a desk job, or a job that is moving constantly, it’s about making sure people are set up to perform their role safely and effectively, no matter the industry or role. 🚫 MYTH: It is best to withhold declarations of prior injuries to get the job. ✅ FACT: Withholding declarations of prior injuries could be detrimental in the long run. Declaring current or previous injuries help employers make appropriate adjustments and provide the right support they need for the role. This helps ensure the employee is working safely and to prevent any further injuries or accidents happening. Risk assessments also consider the level of coverage required for insurance purposes. Failing to declare a pre-existing injury or health concern can also affect the level of coverage you are entitled to in future work cover claims, should your injury worsen as a result of your work. 🚫 MYTH: Fitness-to-drive assessments are only for truck drivers. ✅ FACT: They’re required for a range of driving roles, not just heavy vehicle operators. Fitness-to-drive assessments may be required for employees who transport passengers, or carry dangerous goods as part of their role. They help determine whether a person meets the medical standards needed to safely perform these driving duties. It’s about supporting safer drivers, safer workplaces and reducing risk on the road no matter the role. 🚫 MYTH: Occupational health providers decide who gets hired. ✅ FACT: Occupational health providers assess fitness for work so employers can make an informed hiring decision. Our role as an occupational health provider is to provide independent clinical advice regarding fitness for the inherent requirements of a role. The final hiring decision always remains with the employer. A Modern Approach to Occupational Health WHA’s focus is on delivering strategic alignment between health outcomes and operational efficiency, ensuring that every worker is fit for their specific role and every employer has the data they need to maintain a safe work environment and protect their most valuable asset, their people. About Workforce Health Assessors (WHA) Established in 2004, WHA is a national leading provider of workforce medical assessment services with a network of 75 WHA operated clinics, supported by more than 300 affiliate partners, servicing customers across Australia and New Zealand. WHA is committed to supplying a client focused, clinically excellent service that enables new recruits and existing employees to perform their roles safely and efficiently, while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory obligations. Stay up to date with the latest news on WHA services, locations, achievements, as well as industry updates, resources, and more by following us on LinkedIn.