Barton County will continue to rely on a physical examination program to determine that new hires are physically fit to do the work of the county, the Barton County Commission decided this week.
The commission approved continuing with the WorkFit program.
“The pre-employment test determines the abilities of the potential employee to perform the essential functions of a job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  This reduces the risk of placing an individual in a position where there is a substantial risk of injury to the person or others, thereby reducing work-related injuries and potential workers compensation claims,” county information explained.
County Administrator Richard Boeckman told the commissioners that the program, which costs $90 for each referred candidate, has been important for the county and he believes it has added to the reduction in workers compensation claims the county has had to pay out.
“I think this has been a very successful program,” the administrator commented.
Road and Bridge Department Director Dale Phillips said it’s routine for anyone who applies for his department to be told they will have to pass a drug screen and the WorkFit screen too and be said he believes that has encouraged better applicants who only continue in the process if they believe they can pass those two tests.