Do you know that there are two types of physical exams that employees may undergo? DOT Physicals and Non-DOT Physicals are the two types of physical exams that employees may undergo, and they are similar in many ways. Understanding the difference is vital, especially if you are an employer, HR personnel, risk manager, or owner operator. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between the two physical exams and what you need to know about them.1. DOT Physical
DOT Physical is mandated under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and other DOT agencies. It is a physical exam that commercial motor vehicle drivers must undergo to legally operate on highways.
- DOT Physical
A DOT Physical exam is conducted by a certified medical examiner who follows a specific protocol to determine whether the driver is medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. The exam includes a review of medical history, physical examination, and urinalysis. The focus is on identifying medical conditions that can affect the driver’s ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
2. Non-DOT Physical
On the other hand, Non-DOT Physical is a medical examination that is not mandated by the government. It is typically conducted for employment purposes, such as pre-employment screening and annual check-ups. Non-DOT Physicals can vary depending on the employer’s needs, location, and industry.
A NonDOT Physical exam can include a review of medical history, physical examination, and urine testing. Employers may request additional tests, such as vision and hearing tests, to ensure that the employee can safely perform their job duties. Non-DOT Physicals aim to identify medical issues that may affect the employee’s ability to perform their job safely and effectively.
3. FMCSA Clearinghouse
The FMCSA has launched a new clearinghouse system that will not affect both DOT and Non-DOT Physicals. The clearinghouse is an online database that will contain information about commercial drivers’ drug and alcohol violations. Employers must conduct queries on each driver they employ at least once a year to ensure they are authorized to operate commercial vehicles. However, DOT Physicals are not reported to the Clearinghouse.
Employers are required to report all violations of drug and alcohol regulations, and medical examiners are required to enter the driver’s drug and alcohol testing results. This information is critical in identifying drivers that pose a risk to public safety and ensuring that they do not operate commercial motor vehicles.
4. Workplace Screening Intelligence
Employers, especially those who conduct Non-DOT Physicals, can benefit from Workplace Screening Intelligence (WSI). WSI employs a system that integrates electronically the ability to order, drug and alcohol testing, Non DOT Physicals and DOT Physicals for employees. The system allows employers to manage all employee screenings in one place, reducing administrative burden and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. In conclusion, DOT Physical and Non-DOT Physical are two different types of physical exams that employees may undergo. DOT Physical is mandated by the government and applies to drivers of commercial motor vehicles, while Non-DOT Physical is not mandated by the government and varies depending on the employer’s needs. Understanding the difference is vital for employers, HR personnel, risk managers, owner operators, as it ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. Workplace Screening Intelligence help employers manage employee screenings and ensure compliance with regulations, reducing administrative burden and promoting public safety. If you need assistance ordering a physical, contact our Support Team today at 844-573-8378 or [email protected]