Occupational medicine is a medical field that focuses on the physical and mental health, safety, and well-being of workers. Doctors, occupational therapists, and other medical providers who serve the needs of patients and employers in the realm of occupational medicine keep an eye on how work affects an employee’s health and vice versa.
The providers in the field of occupational medicine also have a preventive perspective, helping workers and employers to avoid creating an atmosphere that can invite hazards. The goal is to prevent illness and injury in the workplace, to treat illnesses and injuries that do occur while working, and to ensure employees are healthy and able to perform at optimum levels in their jobs.
How Does Occupational Medicine Work?
Occupational health specialists can help employees adapt to changes so that they are able to maintain productivity at work. These medical specialists study and evaluate the risks and hazards inherent in a workplace environment, giving consideration to the workplace laws and regulations, in order to create actionable recommendations for the health and safety of the workers.
Companies that provide a healthy workplace have low rates of absenteeism, high productivity, high job satisfaction, and excellent employee morale. Occupational medicine benefits both employers and employees.
For example, a workplace where employees are sitting at a desk all day may be evaluated for proper ergonomics. Poor back support in the chairs, improper desk height, and similar factors will be recommended to be improved by an occupational medicine practitioner. Similarly, operators of trucks and heavy equipment must have the correct gear and properly working machinery in order to prevent injuries and accidents.
Occupational Medicine Services Performed for Employers
Occupational medicine services may include the following:
- Pre-employment fitness check (for heavy-equipment operators)
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Continued employee health screenings
- Screening and testing after an accident
- Injury care following workplace accidents
- Counseling for employees
- Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, CT scans, etc.)
- EKG testing for checking an employee’s heart condition
- Laboratory testing and blood work
These medical offerings are in conjunction with workers’ compensation benefits, which are provided to employees who were injured on the job.
Occupational Medicine Services in Fort Worth, TX
Providing access to occupational medicine attracts top talent, since it is a sign that a company values employee health and safety. Here at Texas Medical Institute, our occupational health specialists provide preventive services as well as medical care to employees who have sustained work-related injuries and illnesses. Our goal is to help employers maintain a safer workplace with happy, healthy, and productive employees.
Texas Medical Institute works with employers, employees, regulators, insurers, and public health and safety professionals. We are compliant with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation.
If you have sustained a workplace injury and need to file a workers’ comp claim, schedule a consultation with us at Texas Medical Institute by calling us today at (817) 615-8633 or request an appointment now via our online form. We will help you file a workers’ compensation claim that complies with state laws and deadlines for reporting work injuries.
