224 - Top 10 Pitfalls to Avoid in Pre-Hire Physical Abilities Testing: Ensuring Compliance, Validity, and Injury Prevention

Session Description: Pre-hire Physical Abilities Testing (PAT) is a powerful tool to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and ensure candidates are physically capable of performing essential job functions. However, poorly designed or implemented PAT programs can result in significant legal exposure, poor return on investment, and unintended discrimination. In this session, we will explore the top 10 critical mistakes employers and providers make when conducting pre-hire PAT, from lack of job-specificity and inadequate validation to misalignment with the ADA and EEOC guidelines. Drawing from real-world case studies, legal precedents, and best-practice clinical models, attendees will learn how to design and implement legally defensible and functionally sound PAT programs that reduce injury risk while supporting equitable hiring practices. This session will provide actionable strategies for occupational health professionals, safety managers, and HR leaders to audit and optimize their current PAT protocols.

Educational Gaps: Many occupational health physicians either rely on generic physical tests or are not involved in validating or administering pre-hire Physical Abilities Tests. This session addresses the gap in understanding legal and functional requirements, guiding physicians to ensure PATs are job-specific, ADA-compliant, and medically sound.

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?:

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The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: This session supports the AOHC 2026 theme by promoting evidence-based hiring practices that prevent workplace injuries before they occur. By avoiding common pitfalls in Physical Abilities Testing, occupational health professionals can help ensure workers are placed in roles they can perform safely, reducing musculoskeletal injuries, improving long-term health outcomes, and enhancing workforce sustainability. A healthier, injury-free workforce leads to reduced medical costs, increased productivity, and greater global workforce resilience—advancing the health of workers and the world they support.