Fitness-For-Duty

Fitness-for-duty physicals are usually performed for more labor-intensive positions within the safety-sensitive industry. They may be performed as part of the hiring process to ensure that the employee is physically capable of performing all job functions or are sometimes performed to determine if an employee can return to work.

Fitness-for-duty exams are very specific to each industry and the job itself and are therefore customized to the employee. Employees might be asked to lift heavy objects overhead, stand, bend, or crouch for prolonged periods of time, be able to maneuver in small spaces, operate heavy machinery, deal with hazardous materials, etc.

A fitness-for-duty exam will evaluate the following:

• Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Vital Signs
• Extremities
• Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat
• Nervous System
• Back and Spine
• Lungs and Chest
• Heart
• Psychological Conditions (emotional state, risk tolerance, etc.)
• Employee’s ability to manage their medical conditions

 

 

Pre-Employment/Pre-Hire Physicals

Pre-employment physical exams require an employee to undergo a medical evaluation to determine if they can maintain workplace safety. This can vary by industry and can be customized according to the job. Therefore, there is no standard for a pre-employment physical and is often determined by the employer and/or any requirements set forth by agencies, such as the DOT.

Most physicals will include the following:

• Vital Signs
• Extremities
• Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat
• Lungs and Chest
• Existing Medical Conditions
• Previous Medical History
• Heart

For health care workers an annual physical exam is essential in determining if they are healthy and free of any contagious diseases to work with patients. Typically, an annual physical will entail a TB test, drug and alcohol test, and a seasonal flu shot, but can differ according to OSHA standards depending on the job position. Other types of pre-employment physical exams include DOT physicals, drug and alcohol testing, and human performance evaluation (HPE).