The difference between PAGO and PMO

28 October 2025 reading time 2 minutes

Many organizations know they are required to monitor the health of their employees. However, the difference between a PAGO (Periodic Occupational Health Examination) and a PMO (Preventive Medical Examination) is not always clear. Both examinations aim to keep employees healthy and employable, but the focus and approach differ. By understanding what each examination entails, employers can make informed choices that contribute to a safe, healthy, and vital work environment.

What is a PAGO?

A PAGO stands for Periodic Occupational Health Examination and is a legally required examination under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. According to the Arboportaal of the Dutch Government, every employer must offer employees the opportunity to undergo this examination. The focus is on health risks associated with work, such as exposure to noise, vibrations, hazardous substances, screen work, or physical strain.

The aim of a PAGO is to detect early whether the work has a negative impact on the health of the employee. This allows employers to take timely measures to mitigate risks and prevent absenteeism. Thus, a PAGO is not only a legal requirement but also a valuable tool to ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment.

What is a PMO?

A PMO, or Preventive Medical Examination, goes a step further than the PAGO. While the PAGO focuses on work-related risks, the PMO looks at the general health and lifestyle of employees. Consider topics such as nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, and mental vitality.

According to the Dutch Association for Occupational and Corporate Medicine (NVAB), a PMO is not legally required, but it is an important tool for early detection of health issues and promoting sustainable employability. The examination helps organizations not only to mitigate risks but also to actively invest in the well-being of their employees.

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Why Both Are Important

While a PAGO and PMO have different objectives, they complement each other perfectly in practice. The PAGO forms the foundation: it maps out work-related risks and helps employers fulfill their legal duty of care. The PMO then goes a step further by focusing on the broader health and vitality of employees.

Both examinations together provide a complete picture of health within an organization. Where the PAGO helps prevent work-related complaints, the PMO focuses on enhancing vitality, motivation, and sustainable employability. Together, these examinations contribute to a healthy work environment and a healthy organizational culture.

A PMO thus contributes to a vital and forward-looking organization, where employees have the opportunity to remain healthy, motivated, and energetic in their work.

Healthy employees begin with insight

At Prescan, we believe that healthy and energetic employees are the foundation of a strong organization. With Prescan Business, we support employers in promoting health and sustainable employability within their teams.

Our Preventive Medical Examinations give employees personal insight into their own physical health. The results are only accessible to the employee themselves. Employers do not receive individual results, but can benefit from having a healthier, more vital workforce.

Do you also want to invest in a healthy organization?

Discover what Prescan Business can mean for your company.

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