Physicals

DOT Physicals

Federal law requires drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to receive regular physical examinations under the Department of Transportation. DOT physicals are highly regulated for the drivers’ safety and are designed to detect physical, mental, and emotional issues that can affect a driver’s ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle. Karma Compliances’ DOT medical examiners are specially trained to understand the regulations and prevent drivers from being inappropriately disqualified.

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

You are required to have a physical exam and carry a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate if:

• You operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW) of 4,536 kilograms (10,001 pounds) or more in interstate commerce.
• You operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, in interstate commerce.
• You operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between nine and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from your regular work-reporting location, in interstate commerce.
• You transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring placards, in interstate commerce.

The US Department of Transportation sets the following guidelines:

• CDL holders (Drivers) must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Glasses or contact lenses are permitted.
• Drivers cannot be a diabetic on needle-injected insulin; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.
• A driver’s blood pressure must be under 140/90. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.
• Use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any other habit forming drug is not permitted.

If a driver has a current diagnosis of cardiac insufficiency, collapse, congestive cardiac failure or any other cardiovascular disease, he/she will be required to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test (performed within the last 12 months) along with a release from the driver’s physician stating that he/she can drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.

The Department of Transportation also requires clearance for drivers that have been diagnosed with the following conditions: sleep apnea, recent back injury, recent major surgery, a current hernia, Nervous or Psychiatric disorders or have had recent workers’ compensation claims.

Why Employee Physicals?

Employee Physicals ensure that your employees are capable of medically and physically performing their required job duties. Employees who undergo physical exams are more productive and less likely to miss work because of injury or illness. Healthy employees means reduced liability and Worker Comp payouts.Baseline Physical Exams & Annual Physical Exams assesses the physical health of employees on a periodic basis as part of an ongoing surveillance process . As per the client’s medical standards, Karma Compliance examines each employee and uses prior exams as a comparison for health monitoring.