To minimize the risk of injuries, accidents, or work-related illnesses, it’s wise to assess the health status of both prospective and current employees. This can be achieved through health examinations or medical checkups (MCUs).

Health checks or MCUs can early detect common health issues and reduce the risk of complications through timely and appropriate treatment. They also help gauge the severity of work-related health problems. In the workplace, the well-being of employees should never be overlooked. When workers are physically and mentally healthy, a company’s productivity tends to be higher.

Health examinations are categorized into three types:
1. Pre-employment Health Checks
2. Periodic Health Checks
3. Special Health Checks

According to Article 2 of the Minister of Labor Regulation No. 02/1980 on Health Examinations for Workers, pre-employment health checks ensure that the worker is in prime health and not suffering from any contagious diseases that might infect others. They also confirm that the individual’s health is suitable for the tasks they will undertake. As stipulated in Article 2, paragraph 2 of Law No. 1 of 1970, all companies must conduct Pre-employment Health Checks.

Furthermore, Article 2, paragraph 3 outlines that Pre-employment Health Checks include:
1. A complete physical examination,
2. Fitness assessment,
3. Chest X-rays (if possible) and routine laboratory tests,
4. And other necessary tests.

Exceptions to performing medical checkups are noted in Article 2, paragraph 7, which states if a health examination has been conducted by a doctor as referred in Article 1 (sub d) of these regulations within three months prior to the request, the worker does not need to undergo a pre-employment health check.

For periodic health examinations, several essential medical checkups can be conducted, including:
1. Blood pressure check. High blood pressure may indicate various diseases such as heart issues, diabetes, cholesterol problems, and other complications.
2. Cholesterol and blood sugar testing.
3. Complete blood count.
4. Heart examination. The most common test is the EKG (electrocardiogram).
5. Vision tests. These help assess the quality of an individual’s vision.

Author: Dr. Afi Falizia (Medical Service Doctor at Surabaya Ngagel Jaya Branch)