Many Occupational Medicine evaluations are done to compare the individuals' capabilities and health with the job requirements. The primary priority in all of these cases is to the individuals' health, although the health of one employee may have effects on other employees as well. Consider the firefighter who is being relied on for the safety of the public, or the employee using a torch while wearing a respirator, or your colleague helping you to lift. Some of these exams may also meet legal requirements as set forth by OSHA, FAA, FHWA, etc.

Pre-placement evaluations are done to assure that the person being examined does not have any medical condition that may be aggravated by job duties or that may affect the health and safety of others. This testing is not to be arbitrary, but is to be related to the specific requirements of the job. These exams also allow the physician to determine any disabilities that may require accommodation to the workplace or assigned duties.

Return to Work or Return to Duty evaluations may be done after an employee has an lengthy absence from work. The time period and reason for absence that triggers the request for re-evaluation is usually up to the company and again, work capabilities are compared with the job and/or alternative or modified duty assignments.

Periodic examinations are often regulated by Federal agencies such as OSHA for workers exposed to hazards, FHWA and FAA, or recommended by organizations such as NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). There are also preventive medicine examinations which may be provided by companies for screening and maintenance of good health.