What You Need to Know About Physicals: DOT and Non-DOT Physicals Explained
Physicals are an essential part of the hiring process for many companies. A physical is a comprehensive medical examination that assesses an individual’s health and fitness levels to determine if they are suitable for a particular job. Employers usually require physical exams for employees who will be performing jobs that require significant physical activity, such as construction workers or truck drivers.
Need to order a physical today near your employee’s home or workplace? Contact our knowledgeable support staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
There are two types of physicals that employers may require: DOT physicals and non-DOT physicals. DOT physicals are mandatory for commercial drivers (employees and owner operators) who operate vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, transport hazardous materials, or carry 16 or more passengers. Non-DOT physicals are for employees who perform physically demanding work outside of the transportation industry, such as construction workers or warehouse employees.
In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between DOT and non-DOT physicals, what they entail, and how they differ. We will also take a look at if physicals are reported in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, what this system is, and what it means for employers and employees. So, let’s dive in.
What is a Physical?
A physical is a medical examination that is used to assess an individual’s health and fitness levels. This exam is usually required by employers to ensure that employees are capable of performing their job duties without endangering themselves or others. A physical may include a variety of medical tests, such as blood pressure, vision, hearing, and cardiovascular tests.
In addition, the physical may also assess an individual’s body mass index (BMI) and calculate their body fat percentage. Depending on the job requirements, the physical may also evaluate an individual’s strength, flexibility, or endurance. These assessments can help determine if an individual is capable of performing their job duties safely and efficiently.
What is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a specific type of physical that is mandatory for commercial drivers who operate vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, transport hazardous materials, or carry 16 or more passengers. This physical is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure that commercial drivers can safely operate their vehicles.
The DOT physical includes a comprehensive medical exam that evaluates an individual’s physical health, vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and neurological function. It also includes a drug and alcohol screening to ensure that drivers are not impaired while operating their vehicles. A DOT physical must be performed by a certified medical examiner who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
What is a Non-DOT Physical?
A non-DOT physical is a physical exam that is required for employees who perform physically demanding work outside of the transportation industry. This type of physical may include many of the same medical tests as the DOT physical, but it is not mandated by federal regulations.
Non DOT physicals may be required for employees who work in construction, manufacturing, or other physically demanding jobs. In some cases, employers may also require non-DOT physicals for administrative or clerical positions if the employee is expected to perform tasks that require some physical effort.
DOT and NON DOT Physical Near Me: Where to Get a DOT Physical?
If you operate a commercial vehicle that requires a DOT physical, you may be wondering where you can get one. DOT physicals must be performed by certified medical examiners who are listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
To find a certified medical examiner near you it is as simple as contacting Workplace Screening Intelligence. We have a location that performs Physicals near your employee home or workplace. Need to order a physical today near your employee’s home or workplace? Contact our knowledgeable support staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Are Physicals Reported in the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that contains information about commercial drivers’ drug and alcohol violations. This system was created to help ensure that commercial drivers are qualified to operate their vehicles safely and that they are not impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Physicals are not reported to the Clearinghouse directly, but drug and alcohol testing results are. If a commercial driver fails a drug or alcohol test in conjunction with their physical, this violation will be reported to the Clearinghouse. The employer must report the violation within three business days of receiving the test results. They can also appoint a CTPA to manage their Clearinghouse queries and reporting on their behalf. For More Information on FMCSA Clearinghouse and how Workplace Screening Intelligence can help, go to https://workplacescreening.com/fmcsa-chs/
What Does the FMCSA Clearinghouse Mean for Employers and Employees?
The FMCSA Clearinghouse has several implications for both employers and employees. For employers, the Clearinghouse makes it easier to verify that their commercial drivers are qualified to operate their vehicles safely. Employers can quickly access information about drug and alcohol violations, ensuring that they only hire drivers who are qualified to operate commercial vehicles. Also, the previous mandate to check your applicants past 3 years of drug and alcohol violations with previous employers is no longer a mandate since the Clearinghouse FMCSA has 3 years of information.
For employees, the Clearinghouse means that they must be proactive about their drug and alcohol use. Any drug or alcohol violations will be reported in the Clearinghouse, making it difficult for individuals to obtain employment as commercial drivers. This means that commercial drivers must be aware of the substances they consume and must take necessary steps to ensure that they remain compliant with federal regulations. If they do have a drug or alcohol violation, they must go through a SAP Process and perform Return to Duty Testing.
Physicals are essential for ensuring that employees are qualified to perform their job duties safely and efficiently. DOT and non-DOT physicals are mandated by federal regulations and assess an individual’s physical health and fitness levels. The FMCSA Clearinghouse makes it easier for employers to verify that their commercial drivers are qualified to operate their vehicles safely. If you operate a commercial vehicle that requires a DOT physical, you can find a certified medical examiner near you on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners website.
Need to order a physical today near your employee’s home or workplace? Contact our knowledgeable support staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/