Workplace biometric testings can take a selection of forms. Common screening components might include –
• Blood pressure and heart rate.
• Cholesterol (typically a finger-stick total cholesterol test, either fasting or non-fasting).
• Blood glucose (diabetes screening).
• Height and weight.
• Percent body fat and/or Body Mass Index (Body Mass Index).
• Fitness level.
• Bone density.
• Posture assessment.
Considerations when offering worksite screenings –
• Biometric testings should be conducted by certified, and at times, certified person.
• Biometric screenings should be conducted in a location that allows for privacy and confidentiality.
• Time for discussion and explanation screening results should be allowed as part of the screening process.
• A process should be in place for referral for participants whose results are indicative of a need for further medical examination.
• Screenings could be very costly to the overall wellness budget OR there could be no cost to the wellness program if participants are willing to cover the cost of the assessment themselves.
For example, cholesterol and glucose testing usually costs twenty to twenty-five dollars per person, per exam. Workers may be willing to pay for screening in exchange for the convenience of having the screening at work.
• It usually works best to have scheduled appointments at intervals sufficient to allow time for the assessment and a brief discussion of results. Thus, a registration and scheduling process should be devised.
• Some kinds of screening, such as fitness testing, require participants to bring casual clothes in which to do the testing. Staff Members ought to be notified of the need to dress in a specific manner for the screening.
• To ensure high attendance at screening events, it’s advisable to coordinate promotion of the event with reminders to workforce.
• Supply workforce with “screening preparation” guidelines to remind them how to prepare for the most accurate screening results.
Resources for worksite screenings –
1. Consult with a wellness advisor or health screening business.
2. When worker participation is low for on-site Healthy Benefits screenings, or if offering additional workplace screening is an option, check with the community health or outreach department of your local hospital, health education department, occupational health department or workplace health department as to screenings they could offer.
3. Local fitness centers might also have qualified staff for some kinds of screenings, like fitness testing or body fat assessment.
