Every year, more than one in five workplace fatalities occurs in the construction industry. Behind these statistics are the men and women who build the roads, bridges, and buildings we all rely on. National Construction Appreciation Week (September 15–19, 2025) reminds us of their vital contributions and the responsibility employers have to keep them safe. Supporting construction workers requires more than hard hats and safety harnesses; it also involves confirming that employees are physically able to meet the demands of their roles. One effective strategy for achieving this is Physical Abilities Testing (PAT), which MedPhysicals Plus offers to construction companies across Alaska.
The Role of Physical Abilities Testing in Construction
Construction is among the most physically demanding industries. Employees must lift, climb, bend, and operate equipment for long periods, often in extreme conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overexertion and repetitive strain injuries remain some of the most common causes of missed workdays in construction. These injuries put workers at risk and create significant costs for employers.
Physical Abilities Testing is not federally mandated for construction workers, but it is a proven method for reducing risk and ensuring safer worksites. By evaluating strength, stamina, flexibility, and other capabilities, PAT helps employers confirm that new hires and existing employees are physically matched to the demands of their jobs.
Benefits for Employers and Safety Managers
Better Hiring Outcomes
Employers can reduce costly turnover by ensuring that candidates are physically suited to the job before they start. PAT provides valuable insight into whether a new hire will be successful in a physically demanding role. This is particularly important for high-turnover industries like construction, where aligning workers with job demands improves retention.
Lower Injury Rates and Improved Retention
When employees are assigned tasks that align with their abilities, the risk of strains and overexertion injuries decreases. This leads to fewer workers’ compensation claims and less downtime. Additionally, workers who are placed in roles they can perform safely are more likely to succeed long term. This reduces turnover and builds stronger, more experienced teams.
Risk Reduction and Compliance Support
Although not a formal OSHA requirement, PAT supports compliance with OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. It demonstrates due diligence in protecting employees and reducing risks. For employers managing return-to-work cases or injury recovery, Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) offer another valuable tool.
MedPhysicals Plus Services for Construction Employers
MedPhysicals Plus offers Physical Abilities Testing tailored to construction and safety-sensitive roles across Alaska. Our evaluations measure the specific physical requirements of construction jobs, helping employers place workers in roles where they can perform safely and effectively.
In addition to PAT, we provide Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) for return-to-work assessments, drug and alcohol testing in compliance with SAMHSA standards, respirator fit testing in alignment with OSHA guidelines, and comprehensive workplace wellness screenings. With offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, and Soldotna, we serve construction companies statewide with reliable, professional occupational health support.
Building Safer Workforces During National Construction Appreciation Week
This National Construction Appreciation Week, employers can do more than recognize their workers. They can invest in their safety and long-term success. Physical Abilities Testing may not be a legal requirement, but it is a smart and proactive choice that reduces injuries, strengthens retention, and builds safer teams.
Contact MedPhysicals Plus today to schedule Physical Abilities Testing or learn more about how our occupational health services can support your construction workforce.