Workplace Physicals: Must-Have Documents Employers Will Ask For
Workplace Physical Exams: What Documents Employers Require
Finding a new job is exciting and highly motivating, however, to land in the employer’s place safely adhering to the protocols by law is quite important. Let this not come to you as a surprise when you are asked to complete a pre-employment physical exam along with signing the offer letter and filling out HR forms.
In this blog we will discuss what employers need from an employee on being physically fit for the work.
Physical fitness is quite important for all jobs, however certain jobs require that you prove that you are physically fit, and you are physically eligible to work on the spot. It’s not just about health; it’s also about safety, liability, and compliance with federal or company-specific regulations. If your employer requires one, here’s what you’ll need to bring with you to make the process smooth and efficient. Before we delve into the nitty gritty let’s understand what a physical exam is?
What Is a Workplace Physical?
A workplace physical is a health screening conducted before employment or periodically during employment. It’s commonly required for jobs that involve physical labor, public safety, driving, healthcare, or education. The goal is to evaluate whether you’re physically capable of doing your job safely and without risk to yourself or others.
Think about a public transport driver not being physically fit, he can jeopardize people’s lives. So, he or she would need to go through physical exams periodically to ensure holistic safety.
The Documents one should carry to get the physical exams carried out
1. Government-Issued Photo ID
Bring a valid driver’s license, passport, or any official form of identification. Clinics use this to confirm your identity and match your records.
2. Employer-Provided Forms or Exam Requests
Some companies provide specific forms that outline what they expect in a physical. This could include a general physical form or, for federally regulated positions, documents like the DOT Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876).
3. Immunization Records
Many roles, especially in healthcare, childcare, and food service require proof of certain vaccinations. Bring any records for:
- Hepatitis B
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
- COVID-19 (if applicable)
If you’re missing records, check your local health department or state immunization registry.
4. Medication List
If you take prescription medications, bring a list that includes drug names, dosages, and prescribing physician info. This helps the examiner assess any potential side effects or limitations related to the job.
5. Corrective Devices
If you wear glasses, contacts, or hearing aids, bring them. Vision and hearing screenings are often part of standard workplace physicals. This not only holds good for physically impaired or hearing-impaired people but for those with some deficiencies also would need to bring them in.
6. Medical History Information
Be prepared to disclose relevant past health issues. This may include previous surgeries, injuries, hospitalizations, or chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. While you don’t need to bring medical records unless requested, knowing your history helps avoid delays.
Not all companies require the same test; it can differ from company to company and depend on the type of jobs that one is entering. Some companies may require even a drug test to be completed before they can get the appointment.
A little preparation and knowledge can help the process to be seamless. A workplace physical exam can be a quick, low-stress part of the onboarding process, if you come prepared. Before your appointment, check with HR, gather your forms, and ensure your health history and medication list are current. A few extra minutes of prep could save you hours down the line.