August 20th, 2018
Occupational Health is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on reducing the risk for on-the-job injuries, preserving the well-being of workers in the workplace. Occupational health also has to do with treating work-related illnesses and injuries.
Essential services related to OH rely on the collaboration of human resource personnel, occupational health specialists, and medical professionals to provide pre-placement screenings, employee wellness programs, optimized workplace ergonomics, and occupational therapy or occupational medicine for employees who become sick or injured at work.
Occupational Health in the Hiring Process
There are many different types of pre-employment exams and screenings an employer may require of a prospective employee. The type of pre-placement testing depends on the type of job offered and the duties the employee will be expected to perform.
Common pre-employment exams include the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, and drug and alcohol screenings. To prevent discrimination on the basis of ability, employers must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) when setting and following a policy of pre-placement exams.
Occupational Health in the Workplace
The level of health and wellbeing in a business’ workforce is one determinative factor for individual and organizational performance. Investing in employee wellness programs and safety training, such as First Aid and CPR, pays dividends in greater productivity and efficiency for any business. Besides being part of better business practices, protecting workers from illness and injury while at work is also required by law. OSHA, passed in 1970, set certain standards for workplace safety. OSHA regulations help ensure workers operate in a safe work environment and receive any necessary medical assistance when injured at work.
Occupational Health and Injury Management
Work injuries can become complicated, expensive ordeals for employer and employee. OSHA regulations and requirements can make getting timely and appropriate care frustrating and confusing. That’s why it’s important for employers to establish an injury care plan before an accident happens at work. An injury care plan ensures that employees have an establish procedure for reporting their injury, accessing any necessary medical treatment and physical therapy, and developing a plan for returning to work. Employers with injury care plans typically have employees return to work more quickly than employers without a preset care plan. By speeding-up recovery and higher patient-compliance with treatment and therapy, employees are able to return to work more quickly and avoid medically unnecessary disability.
If you’d like to learn more about Occupational Medicine Services offered by Pinehurst Medical Clinic, contact us today. We offer a dedicated, multifunctional clinic specializing in pre-employment services, work related injuries, drug testing, and more.
Pinehurst Medical Clinic offers prompt, comprehensive, high quality medical services to both employers and employees. We have a diverse patient base because we focus on offering excellent patient care.
We also remain sensitive to employers by helping them establish clinical guidelines, early intervention in injury care, and helping to reduce costs and lost time from work — which helps both employers and employees alike. Choose our one stop facility for comprehensive occupational healthcare services.
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