What is Included in a Pre-Employment Physical Exam?

Whether you’re filling an office position or a safety-sensitive role, a pre-employment physical ensures each new hire is physically capable, medically cleared, and well-suited for the job.

What Is a Pre-Employment Physical?

A pre-employment physical is a type of employment physical examination that assesses an individual’s health to determine if they are fit for a specific job. While these exams are often associated with physically demanding roles, more industries are now utilizing them to support safe and compliant hiring practices.

Also known as a pre-work physical, employee physical, or physical test for job readiness, this exam is a vital component of a company’s occupational health and safety program. It helps employers identify any medical conditions that could impact an individual’s ability to perform the job, especially in high-risk environments where safety is paramount.

What Happens During a Pre-Employment Physical?

With InfoMart’s digital workflow, candidates complete pre-exam forms online, self-schedule appointments, and receive results electronically. Employers get real-time status updates through a secure portal, making compliance faster and easier.

While each employment physical exam varies based on role, most include the following steps:

1. Medical History Review

The provider asks questions about the person’s medical history, including past surgeries, current medications, and chronic conditions. This helps identify health concerns that could interfere with job performance or violate compliance regulations, such as those outlined in OSHA or ADA guidelines. If a chronic condition is present, the candidate may be required to undergo additional evaluations to determine medical clearance for the role.

For roles involving safety-sensitive tasks, this step is especially important to ensure the candidate is medically qualified and does not pose a risk to themselves or others.

2. Vital Signs and General Health Check

During the exam, the provider measures and records vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. These vital signs give a quick picture of someone’s overall health. If anything seems off, the provider may suggest a follow-up or more testing. This part of the employment physical exam helps confirm that a new hire’s health status won’t limit their ability to do the job safely.

3. Vision and Hearing Tests

Some jobs require strong vision and hearing to maintain a safe workplace. Providers may conduct vision and hearing tests as part of the physical test for job readiness. This is especially important for safety-sensitive jobs, such as truck drivers or machine operators. These tests help ensure that employees can perform their jobs safely and comply with DOT or other safety regulations.

4. Muscle and Joint Movement Check

The provider may check a person’s range of motion, strength, and balance during the physical test for job readiness. These tests assess whether the person possesses the physical abilities required for the specific job. They help ensure the candidate is physically capable of performing the work safely and without risk of injury.

5. Respiratory and Heart Function

For physically demanding roles, a medical examination may include extra tests to check lung function and heart health. These checks are standard in occupational health programs for jobs in healthcare, logistics, or manufacturing. They help ensure workers have the physical fitness to perform their job safely and avoid health problems on the job.

6. Drug Screening

Many employers include a drug screening as part of the employment physical exam. This test checks for drugs and alcohol and is especially important in jobs involving driving or heavy equipment.

Some employers use a standard 5-panel test, while others check for more substances. Either way, a drug test helps protect the work environment and reduce safety risks. It may be part of the broader physical test for job clearance in regulated industries.

What’s the Difference Between DOT and Non-DOT Physicals?

Some industries, such as transportation, require a DOT physical exam. This type of employment physical exam follows rules set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that commercial drivers meet specific health standards.

Employers use non-DOT physicals for a broader range of roles and tailor them to match the specific job. These exams are standard in the healthcare, retail, and hospitality industries. Understanding the difference helps employers select the most suitable physical test for job readiness and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

While both are physical exams for job readiness, DOT physicals adhere to federal standards, whereas non-DOT physicals offer more flexibility based on the job type.

Fit-for-Duty Exams

A fit-for-duty exam determines whether an employee is physically capable of returning to work or transitioning into a new role. The provider ensures the individual is physically fit to perform the job safely. Depending on the reason for the exam, employees may be required to undergo a complete physical examination to verify they meet fitness-for-duty standards. While pre-employment physicals occur before hiring, fit-for-duty exams may include similar steps based on the situation.

Fit-for-duty exams are a crucial component of occupational health programs. They help employers prevent injuries, ensure compliance with safety rules, and verify that each employee meets the required fitness-for-duty standards.

InfoMart also supports post-hire needs with services such as return-to-duty testing, post-accident screening, and random drug testing program management, helping employers stay compliant throughout the entire employment lifecycle.

Why Employers Require Physicals for Work

Employers require physicals for work to support:

• Employee health and wellness
• A safe and compliant work environment
• Better health and safety practices
• Screening for medical conditions and vital signs
• Verifying physical fitness for job tasks
• Lower injury risk and reduced medical costs

Employers can also track vaccinations, monitor expiration dates, and manage immunization records to ensure ongoing workforce health and compliance.

Most physicals require a range of checks, from physical tests for job readiness to evaluations that confirm a candidate can safely meet job demands. These exams help prevent issues before they start, protecting both your people and your bottom line.

Summary

An employment physical exam is an essential tool for creating a safer and healthier workplace. It gives employers peace of mind that new hires are physically fit for the specific job, and helps identify any medical conditions that may need attention.

From measuring blood pressure and vital signs to screening for drugs and alcohol, these exams can be tailored to meet your company’s specific needs. Whether you need a non-DOT physical or a fit-for-duty test, InfoMart is here to help.

Our nationwide network and fast, compliant services make it easy to manage every step of the pre-employment process. We help you make smarter hiring decisions while protecting the health and safety of your team.

Ready to Hire with Confidence?

Ready to schedule your next employment physical exam or physical test for job readiness? Speak with an InfoMart expert to simplify your screening process. Our PBSA-accredited team will recommend the right exams and deliver fast, compliant results through our secure digital system.