322 The state of a worker’s physical health is important for determining: ● An individual’s compatibility with the demands of the job ● Baseline health status data for future comparison ● Pre-existing or concurrent health-related problems ● Working conditions having impact on worker health and safety ● Proper placement of individuals into suitable positions without risk to worker or co-worker ● Appropriate compliance with legally mandated requirements Many types of worker health assessments can be conducted (e.g., pre-placement, return-to- work, job transfer, and periodic and health surveillance). Health assessment incorporates subjective and objective data to determine worker placement. It is necessary to have a thorough understanding of job requirements and demands so as to focus data collection regarding an individual’s ability to perform a job. Health assessment data are collected systematically, which requires familiarity with compo- nents of history taking (see Occupational and Environmental Health History, page 315) and the physical examination. Various formats for obtaining historical and health status data are avail- able and can be modified or tailored to guide the data-collection process. An example of a health and physical assessment form appears on the following page. Physical Health Assessment Guideline continues on next page