Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals follow strict guidelines mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), ensuring that commercial drivers and other safety-sensitive employees are in good health to work safely. DOT physicals cover testing for vision, hearing, blood pressure/pulse rate, urinalysis, and physical examinations.
Non-DOT physicals are given to candidates in industries not regulated by the US DOT. Exams are prescribed by each individual employer, in which, they decide how to manage and operate their testing program. Employers will have this defined in their testing policy. They choose from a variety of options accounting for applicable legal regulations and considerations.
Ensures the candidate can perform the essential functions of the position based on the job description. EFTs consist of a gross musculoskeletal exam to include range of motion and changing body positions (stooping, bending, reaching overhead). It also assesses the candidate’s ability to perform physical tasks such as walking upstairs, capacity to lift, fine motor skills, overhead work, etc.
Testing the physical, mental, and emotional state which enables the candidate to perform the essential tasks of his or her work assignment in a manner which does not threaten the safety or health of oneself, co-workers, property, or public.
An audiogram provides a reference point for future audiometric tests. This is the audiogram against which future audiograms are compared, making it possible to determine if an employee’s hearing has changed since that initial hearing test was performed.
A spine X-ray may be ordered to evaluate a back or neck injury. It uses radiation to produce images of the bones and organs of the body providing detailed images of the bones of the spine.
Vaccines play an important role in protecting against communicable diseases. In health sensitive workplaces, preventing the spread of certain diseases is extremely important and often required by law.