Work Related Physicials

DOT Physicals

This examination is required every two years. Certain medical conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes, limb deformities or vision/hearing problems may require more frequent certification.

The components of this physical include:

• Basic Physical
• Urinalysis
• Whisper test
  • If unable to pass- audiogram required
• Visual Acuity
• Urine Drug Screening
  • Based on State/Federal regulations- commonly done pre-employment
    and return to work

Certain health conditions may limit medical card certification for less than the standard two years. High blood pressure is the most common reason. The following diagram is the guideline set by DOT for individuals with elevated blood pressure.

DOT Blood Pressure Guidelines

The new Blood Pressure standards for DOT bacame mandatory on September 1st, 2004. Only drivers with blood pressure below 140 systolic over 90 diastolic will be eligible for a full 2-year driver's certification. Drivers already being treated for high blood pressure will need to be below 140/90 in order to obtain a 1-year certification.

GOH recommends:

1. Drivers should have regular checkups to confirm that blood pressure levels meet the new DOT standard.
2. Any driver on medication for high blood pressure should make sure to take it exactly as prescribed by the physician. Never go off of the medication without direction from the physician, even if blood pressure levels drop to normal.
3. Employers and drivers should seek out wellness opportunities that provide regular screenings and preventative programs to help reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure.

Forms Completed:

• DOT Form (ATA, Company Specific or IOH DOT forms)
• Medical Questionnaire
• Ancillary Test as Requested

Respiratory Physicals

This physical is being completed on employees that have potential exposures to hazardous substances or irritants that can injure the upper and/or lower airways (sinuses, pharynx, bronchus, and lungs). The majority of the time these exposures require active employer monitoring as determined by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Employees often are required to undergo respiratory fit-testing and be offered assorted types of respiratory protection.

The components of this physical include:

• Upper Body Physical
  This physicals focus is on the portion of the body involved in breathing. It is the exam completed with a respirator physical. Typically the OSHA Respiratory Questionnaire and a spirometry are done simultaneously. The physician will make a determination of whether the patient's health would allow them to do the identified job and whether they can use a respirator safely. The physician will designate which forms of respirator equipment are appropriate if there are limiting medical conditions.
• Visual Acuity
• Spirometry
  Typically done at baseline, then every two years unless meet clinical criteriafor more frequent testing.

Forms Completed

• Certification of Medical Examination
• Medical Questionnaire
• OSHA Respiratory Questionnaire
• Respiratory Physical Form
• Ancillary Test as Requested

Pre-employment (Post Job Offer) Physicals

This is a basic physical completed on an applicant for hire. The physician's role is to provide the employer with a recommendation as to whether the applicant is able/not able to perform the essential functions of the job. A job description is important to aid the physician in decision-making

The components of this physical include:

• Basic Physical
• Visual Acuity
• Urinalysis (Recommended)
• Audiogram (Encouraged if high noise environment)
• Spirometry (Recommended if respiratory use or environment contains respiratory irritants)
• Urine Drug Screening (Determined by Company Policy)

Forms Completed:

• Certification of Medical Examination
• Medical Questionnaire
• Universal Physical Form
• Ancillary Test as Requested

OSHA/Medical Surveillance Physicals

OSHA Mandated Screening

We offer all of the following OSHA Mandated Screenings at both our Quad City locations. Other testing is possible by request.

• Audiometric Testing
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Biological Monitoring (i.e. Lead, Heavy Metal, etc)
• Radiographic Monitoring (i.e. Asbestos, Silica, etc)

This physical is being completed on employees that have potential exposures to hazardous substances that can accumulate in the body and cause illness. The majority of the time these exposures require active employer monitoring as determined by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Employees often are required to do this in combination with a respiratory physical.

With certain hazardous exposures it is recommended the physical be completed pre-employment, annually or a frequency determined by OHSA, and at exit from employment. Many employees may work for numerous companies, so this recommendation is more as a defense in case problems arise during or following employment. Symptoms related to exposure may present at a later date and this monitoring pattern ultimately benefits the health of the employee and the general public.

The components of this physical include:

• Basic Physical
• Urinalysis
• Visual Acuity
• Spirometry
  Typically done at baseline, then frequency per OHSA recommendations
• Chest X-ray
  Depending on the exposure, may need baseline, then frequency per OHSA recommendations
• Blood Analysis
  Commonly done with heavy metal exposures

Forms Completed

• Certification of Medical Examination
• Universal Examination Form
• Medical Questionnaire
• Exposure Specific Questionnaire and Education Sheet
• OSHA Respiratory Questionnaire