TRYING TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE

HRH

The owner of the company, having just gone through a second maintenance man in several months, wants me to have applicants fill out a questionaire. Two of the questions raised my internal red flag:
"Are you Ok on a ladder?" and "Can you lift heavy items?"

Are we headed for jail?

HCCADC

Is "Heavy lifting and Heights" listed on the job description as requirements? If so, just ask if the applicant is able to perform the job as listed on the job description.

HRinNH

Agreed. We just revamped our job descriptions to include sitting, reaching, standing, lifting, and walking.

Irie

I too agree with the other posters. Just ask if they can perform the essential functions of the position.

HRH

Many thanks!

SMace

I'm going to assume that when you ask them that question you will have told them what the essential function are, right?

Dutch2

Absolutely update your job descriptions to include lifting XX pounds and ability to climb ladders, etc... In my former life, we would actually give the applicant(s) a tour of the area(s) where they would be working. This gave them first hand knowledge of just what was expected of them if they were hired. It always amazed me how many decided they did not want the position when they saw first hand just how physically demanding it was.

HRCalico

We also give applicants a tour of the work area and show them the job. I think it goes a long way to their figuring out what will be expected of them.

pork1

I concur; our world of work is not for everbody. Even with a tour and an opportunity to physically do any task during the tour the potential employee may not be able to do the task. The tour and demonstration is offered to all and we will quickly turn away anyone who does not want to even touch or interplay with the job task as being less qualified than others who take the opportunity to test their physical and mental abilities!!!

PORK