At KINNECT, the well-being and safety of our candidates are paramount, and we take a proactive approach to address health concerns that may affect their suitability for certain assessments. One such concern we encounter is undiagnosed hypertension, a condition that can have significant implications for a candidate's ability to complete certain parts of the pre-employment assessment accurately and safely.
Understanding the Challenge:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common health issue that often goes undiagnosed. Elevated blood pressure can pose risks during physical assessments, particularly those involving lifting, carrying, cardiovascular fitness, and spirometry. To ensure the safety and accuracy of our assessments, it is crucial that candidates with undiagnosed hypertension receive the appropriate evaluation and care.
Our Approach:
When a candidate's assessment indicates the possibility of undiagnosed hypertension, KINNECT takes a careful and responsible approach. We understand that immediate completion of certain assessments may not be medically safe, and therefore, we prioritise the candidate's health and well-being.
The Process:
1. Candidate Notification: If a candidate exhibits signs of hypertension during their pre-employment functional or medical assessment, we will inform them of the concern.
2. Medical Evaluation: We recommend that the candidate consult their treating Medical Practitioner for a more comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation includes determining if the candidate has hypertension and, if confirmed, initiating an appropriate treatment plan.
3. Treatment Period: Hypertension management typically involves medication, which may take up to two weeks to achieve the desired reduction in blood pressure readings. During this time, the candidate will be under their doctor's care.
4. Return for Assessment: To ensure the candidate's safety and compliance with acceptable blood pressure limits for assessment, we request that they wait until their blood pressure is controlled before returning to complete their pre-employment functional and medical assessments.
Why the Wait?
We understand that waiting for the candidate’s blood pressure to become controllled may seem like a delay, but it is a critical step in safeguarding the candidate's health and ensuring the accuracy of the assessments. Elevated blood pressure can lead to inaccurate test results and potential health risks during strenuous activities, and we want to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Our Commitment:
At KINNECT, we are committed to the health and safety of our candidates. Our approach to candidates with undiagnosed hypertension is based upon ensuring their well-being and the integrity of our assessments. We believe that a careful, considered, and medically guided approach is the best way to protect candidates' health and ensure the accuracy of our evaluations.