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How to properly manage workplace injuries to the benefit of the employee and employer

Dr. Frank Messana, D.O., M.R.O.

Comprehensive Care

7501 West 15th Ave.

Gary, Indiana 46406

Phone #: (219) 977-2090

Fax #: (219) 977-2091

www.compcareonline.com

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Agenda

I. What is Occupational Medicine

II. Why use a Dedicated Occupational Clinic Versus the Emergency Room or Family Practice Physician

III. The Relationship…Employer & Occupational Health Care Provider

IV. Understanding Restricted & Light Duty

Programs

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What is Occupational Medicine:

• Occupational Medicine is the branch of clinical medicine most active in the field of Occupational Health. Its principal role is the provision of health care services and consultive advice to organizations and individuals to ensure that the highest standards of Health and Safety at Work can be achieved and maintained. Occupational Physicians must have a wide knowledge of clinical medicine and be competent in a number of important areas.

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Why Use a Dedicated Occupational Medical Clinic:

What are the differences between:

• A Dedicated Occupational Medical Clinic• The Emergency Room• The Family Practice Physician

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The Relationship:

• The relationship between the employer and the occupational medical clinic is critical. All facets of the relationship must be in place if a company is going to have the ability to manage their occupational medical program.

• Communication• OSHA Recordables• DOT Rules & Regulations• MRO Services• Stability & Consistency• Language• Knowing the Industry

State Laws Worker’s Comp Board Local Unions

• Managing the Visit Being a Part of the Visit Identifying Suspicious Injuries

• Consulting

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Restricted & Light Duty Programs:

• Understanding and having the ability to implement a light duty program or work with your dedicated occupational medical clinic to determine a work as directed status will make a significant impact on your business.

What is:• Full Duty• Work as Directed• Light Duty• Lost Time Injury

• Why should you have a light duty program?• How to construct a Light Duty Program.• Loss Time versus Restricted Duty.• Factors that impact your employee’s state of mind.

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Preemptive measures to reduce workplace injuries

Michael Pelz

Director of Operations

Comprehensive Care

7501 West 15th Ave.

Gary, Indiana 46406

Phone #: (219) 977-2090

Fax #: (219) 977-2091

www.compcareonline.com

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Agenda

I. Assessing Candidates

II. Implementation & Monitoring

III. Training Program

IV. On-Going Education

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Screening Programs

Drug Screens• Urine• Hair• DOT• Non-DOT• Rapid (instant test cup)

Breath Alcohol Testing

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Pre-Employment / Post-Offer Testing

• Purpose is to determine if an individual has the ability to properly and safely perform the tasks required for the job they’re being hired for.

• The test considers the relationship between a person and their specific work environment.

• Takes into account an individual’s physical factors, work systems, and other work processes.

• Which of the job positions available does this individual best fit. Where are his or her physical attributes best utilized.

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Implementation & Monitoring

• Monitoring

• Annual Assessments

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Monitoring

Random Drug Screen Programs

Probable Cause / Reasonable Suspicion Drug Screen Programs

Post Accident Drug Screen Programs

Annual Drug Screen Programs

Note: All the above must be documented in your employee handbook

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Annual Assessments

Physical• Typically performed as part of an annual physical to ensure

that the employee is still in condition to perform his/her job duties safely.

• Other surveillance testing can be conducted during this physical to ensure the employee is compliant with all state and federal regulations

Performance• Compare the individuals performance versus the goals set forth

to determine if an increase in pay, benefits or position within the company is warranted.

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Training Program

Train for job specific tasks

Train for secondary tasks

Train how to use proper mechanics

Note: No matter how short the duration you have an employee doing a task, properly train them in all aspects of that job

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On-Going Education

Proper Mechanics / Ergonomics

Wellness

Stretching & Conditioning

Safety & Environmental (BBP)

Etc.