pre employment medical-problems?

Hi,

I wanted to get a general reaction from HR specialists on the pre employment medical.Iam currently applying for different jobs out there,mining and offshore work(20 years experience)I have had spinal surgery over 2 years ago to corect a disc herniation,iam not affected by the surgery,iam very fit,healthy,very active in sports etc etc....will this pre existing surgery have any affect on my chance of employment?Even without it restricting me in my work duties,but just because i have had this surgery done before will that be an automatic fail from the HR point of view?(my background is labour intensive work)

thanks for youre any input,

Rgds
MG

Just from my experience, when you go for a pre-employment medical for a labour intensive position, the medical will involve a number of portions. Firstly, there is the questionnaire where you need to answer a lot of questions about your health and history. This is the area where you will need reveal about the previous operations.
Then you will have an assessment with a physio. THis is the opportunity where you can show that you are physically able to handle the tasks that the position will require.
Finally you will meet the Doctor who will analyse the questionnaire along with the physio's report, and make a final judgement.
I have personally known individuals who have had "dodgy" backs and knees get good positions in the mines.
So it should not automatically rule you out.