Why is collaboration with medical professionals critical in fitness for duty assessments?

Collaboration with medical professionals is critical in fitness for duty assessments primarily because they offer expertise in evaluating health conditions. Medical professionals possess the training and knowledge necessary to understand complex health issues, which allows them to accurately assess an individual's physical and mental capabilities in relation to job requirements. This evaluation is essential in making informed decisions about an employee's ability to safely perform their duties, thereby ensuring not only the employee's well-being but also the safety of their colleagues and the organization's overall functioning. Their expertise also helps in identifying underlying health issues that may not be apparent through basic assessments, contributing significantly to comprehensive fitness for duty evaluations.