Fitness for duty exams provide the objective, evidence-based data you need to determine if your employee is physically or mentally able to perform the essential functions of their role. At Minnesota Occupational Health (MOH), our providers offer the clinical expertise to support these decisions, whether you are managing an employee’s recovery or evaluating a need for workplace accommodations.
By partnering with MOH, your business gains access to reliable, third-party medical exams along with:
- Comprehensive documentation to support personnel and accommodation decisions
- Five conveniently located clinics across the Twin Cities (Coon Rapids, Eagan, Shakopee, St. Paul/Midway and Woodbury)
- Full alignment with federal and state employment regulations
- Objective medical analysis to resolve contradictory or incomplete medical caregiver information
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When to Do a Fitness for Duty Exam
If there is a reasonable belief that an employee’s health status impacts their ability to execute their core responsibilities, a fitness for duty exam can help resolve questions about occupational readiness.
We provide objective evaluations for:
- Conflicting medical documentation: Providing an unbiased and definitive second opinion when external provider records are unclear or inconsistent
- Functional capacity evaluations: Assessing an employee’s ability to perform job duties when their competence or safety is of concern to management
- Reasonable accommodation assessments: Identifying whether specific workplace modifications are necessary for a team member to meet the demands of their job effectively
- Return-to-work transitions: Confirming that an employee is physically and mentally ready to resume duties after a long-term illness or injury
What Does a Fitness for Duty Exam Consist of?
A fitness for duty evaluation at MOH is a structured, clinical process designed to answer two primary questions:
- Is the individual fit for duty?
- Are employer accommodations necessary?
Clinical Record Review
Our providers begin by thoroughly reviewing all existing medical records to establish a factual baseline for each evaluation. This helps our team align clinical findings with the specific demands of the role to support a safe and sustainable work placement.
Physical and Mental Evaluation
The physical or mental assessment is specifically tailored to the requirements of the employee’s job description. We focus on the high-impact or safety-sensitive tasks the employee must perform daily to verify they can do so without risking themselves or their colleagues.
Functional Capacity and Safety Review
We analyze the physical requirements of the position—such as lifting limits, stamina and motor skills—against the employee’s current health status. This step is vital for minimizing the risk of re-injury and maintaining workplace productivity.
Compliance and Legal Safeguards
Every exam is conducted in strict accordance with national workplace safety and disability standards, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This provides your company with a comprehensive medical record to support your HR decisions.
Fitness for Duty Exams at Minnesota Occupational Health
Minnesota Occupational Health provides a streamlined and clinically driven approach to workforce safety for businesses in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. With five convenient locations—Coon Rapids, Eagan, Shakopee, St. Paul/Midway and Woodbury—we make it easy for employers to access high-quality fitness for duty exams that keep your employees safe, healthy and productive.
Let Minnesota Occupational Health connect you with the occupational health services you need. Call (651) 968-5300 or contact us today to learn more about our services.