Workplace injuries can quickly take their toll on the injured worker, other employees and the company. Not only are their increased medical expenses, but there are production losses and added stress to your existing workforce – the costs add up fast! Working with an occupational health facility can significantly help a company control their occupational injuries, illnesses and the related expenses.
Let’s first understand what an occupational health facility is, the services they provide and their team. Occupational medicine deals with the prevention and treatment of job-related injuries and illnesses. Occupational health facilities provide a wide range of services often including: physicals, drug and alcohol testing, screenings, rehabilitation, ergonomics, and work injury management.
These services are provided by a care team of both occupational medicine physicians and occupational health nurses (OHNs). Occupational medicine physicians are medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy who have received additional training in occupational medicine or who have on-site experience. OHNs are registered nurses or nurse practitioners with experience and education in the field of occupational health.
The services provided by occupational health facilities can significantly benefit both employer and employee. Occupational healthcare professionals can not only help manage and treat workplace injuries and illnesses, but they also help focus on the prevention and early intervention of these injuries, as well as make recommendations regarding work restrictions and monitor workers when they return to work. Occupational healthcare professionals play an integral role in return-to-work programs. They understand the importance of working with the employer to find what the employee can do on the job – not what they can’t do. With this knowledge, they are able to assist in getting employees back to work, which significantly helps the employer in keeping costs down. For the employee, these services help get them healthy and keep them healthy. Healthier employees result in greater productivity and reduced absenteeism and turnover.
To truly reap these benefits, it is important for a business to have a good relationship with its occupational health facility. You want to be on the same page, both understanding the importance of efficiency in the workplace but looking out for what is best for your employees. Both you and your occupational health facility need to be focused on the patient’s recovery and their return to work. As you develop a relationship with the occupational healthcare professionals, they have a much better understanding of your company and the jobs that your employees are doing. This knowledge makes them an integral part in return-to-work programs because they understand what other jobs employees could do or what modifications can be made.
How Do You Establish This Relationship?
First, invite the occupational doctor to your workplace for a tour. This will help them gain a better understanding of your specific company, your workers, the environment, the job tasks and the risks. Occupational professionals have knowledge and experience with workplace health and injuries, but every business is different and taking time to help them learn about your company can only improve the relationship.
Additionally, the relationship must have a foundation of good communication. There are going to be tough questions asked, there are going to be situations where one party is pushing for a speedier response, but clear communication throughout the process can help both parties move more quickly and effectively towards the shared goal – a healthy and fully recovered worker.
Occupational professionals and employers are working towards the same goal of getting and keeping employees healthy. Together they can not only treat workplace injuries and get the injured worker back to work, but they can also help prevent future injuries, all of which helps control costs and maintain a healthy workforce. Remembering the shared goal and establishing clear communication is essential to maintaining a good partnership.
