The Focus and Function of Occupational Medicine
Occupational medicine focuses on the health and safety of employees within specific work environments. It evaluates common workplace programs, such as hearing conservation and respiratory protection, periodically to safeguard workers from job-specific exposures. Various industries across all fields utilize occupational medicine specialists to ensure the well-being of their employees, which includes tracking and preventing exposures critical for workplace safety, as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Common services of occupational medicine include:
- Identify occupational hazards and implement changes
- Pre-employment health screening
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Care for employees with workplace injuries
- Address mental health concurs
A core function of occupational medicine is identifying and changing occupational hazards. Many occupational medicine specialists collaborate with employers to assess workplace conditions, identify potential risks and implement preventive measures. The pre-employment physical examination serves to uncover any health limitations that could impact an applicant’s ability to perform specific job duties. While these limitations don’t necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment, they offer employers insights into the support the applicant may require for success in a particular role.
Additionally, pre-employment screenings may involve drug or alcohol testing. Many companies opt to conduct these physicals annually or periodically to ensure employees maintain their ability to perform their job consistently over time. Occupational medicine also aids employers in recognizing and mitigating workplace risks.
In the event of work-related injuries or illnesses, occupational medicine professionals are involved in providing timely and effective medical care. “Occupational medicine providers are most capable of assessing and expediting suitable treatment to achieve maximum improvement and facilitate a timely return to duty,” said Nicole Whitson, FNP, with HealthWorks, LLC, a service of Hattiesburg Clinic and Forrest General Hospital. Their expertise includes the management of conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases and exposure-related illnesses, while also collaborating with employers to develop return-to-work programs to facilitate a smooth transition for employees recovering from injuries.
Occupational medicine also plays a pivotal role in addressing mental health concerns in the workplace, as the demands of certain jobs can contribute to stress, anxiety or depression among employees. Occupational health professionals work towards creating supportive environments, implementing strategies to enhance mental well-being within organizations and providing health screenings and responsive care. Through these efforts, occupational medicine specialists contribute to creating productive work environments with happy, healthy employees.
Occupational Medicine is not Occupational Therapy
Yes, occupational medicine and occupational therapy both have “occupational” in the name, but these are two distinct fields of medicine with two different focuses. While occupational medicine specialist primarily focuses on work-related injuries and workplace safety, occupational therapists provide care and therapy for those needing assistance returning to daily activities. They work with people of all ages who have physical, cognitive or emotional challenges.
Practitioners of occupational medicine and occupational therapy also have different educational paths. Occupational medicine specialists are usually medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine with specialized training in occupational health. Occupational therapists are health care professionals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy.
When to See an Occupational Medicine Specialist
Patients who have health concerns or issues in the context of their work environment should seek the care of an occupational medicine specialist. Occupational medicine specialists are trained to address the unique health challenges that may arise in the workplace. There is no need to wait until you are sick or hurt before seeing an occupational therapist. Remember, they play an important role in working with employers to prevent illness and injury.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Physicals
DOT physicals, regulated by federal standards and designed for commercial drivers, entail an intensive evaluation by a certified medical examiner (CME). This assessment includes examining medication use, vision, vital signs, urinalysis and multi-system function to ensure compliance with guidelines set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).1
Additionally, a detailed health and medical history is crucial to identify any conditions that may impact safe vehicle operation. “This information is necessary to evaluate the driver for any current or historical disease or condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle,” said Whitson. Certain medical conditions, even in a driver’s remote history, may increase the risk of unexpected death or cause the decline in a driver’s health over time. Clearance from prescribing healthcare providers or specialists may be necessary for certain medications or medical conditions, with some diagnoses or medications being disqualifying altogether. The CME can offer the driver assistance with the forms needed to provide to prescribers and specialists to assist with clearance whenever needed.
The overarching goal of a DOT physical is to certify medically fit drivers in accordance with FMCSA guidelines, prioritizing both driver and public safety. If the driver passes all tests and meets the required standards, the medical examiner’s certificate will be issued. Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers are required to recertify at least every two years.
DOT Physicals vs. Non-DOT Physicals
The main differences between DOT physicals and non-DOT physicals lie in their purpose, regulatory requirements, certification, frequency and components. DOT physicals are specifically designed for commercial drivers and are regulated by federal standards, while non-DOT physicals are more general and can be conducted for various employment or health-related reasons based on the employer’s requirements.
Main differences between DOT physicals and non-DOT physicals:
- Purpose
- DOT physicals assess the physical and mental wellness of individuals who operate CMVs.
- Non-DOT physicals are general physical examinations unrelated to CMV driving.
- Regulatory requirements
- DOT physicals are mandated by the FMCSA for those who hold or want to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- Non-DOT physicals are not regulated like DOT physicals. The requirements of these physicals are determined by the purpose of the examination and policies based on the copy requesting the physical.
- Certification
- A medical examiner’s certificate is given to the driver upon passing a DOT physical.
- There are no certifications associated with non-DOT physicals. The results are communicated to the individual and employer.
- Frequency
- CMV drivers are required to pass a DOT physical at least every two years.
- The frequency of non-DOT physicals is determined by the employer’s policies and the specific circumstances requiring the examination.
- Components
- As mentioned above, DOT physicals generally include a thorough physical examination, vision and hearing tests, blood pressure measurement, urinalysis and drug and alcohol testing.
- The components of non-DOT physicals vary based on the employer’s policies and the purpose of the examination. These physicals commonly include a general physical examination, health history review and any specific assessments the employer requires for the role.
Occupational Medicine at Hattiesburg Clinic
The occupational medicine physicians at Hattiesburg Clinic focus on providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of work-related illnesses and injuries and offer various health programs to meet a company’s individual needs. Additionally, arrangements can be made for on-site screenings, immunizations and health promotion (wellness) programs.
Board-certified, residency-trained family medicine and emergency medicine physicians provide the primary services of this program. These physicians also offer preplacement, annual executive and DOT physical examinations; medical review officer services; and occupational surveillance programs like audiometric screening and pulmonary functions.
These primary care providers are supported by more than 150 specialty physicians, including orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pulmonary medicine and infectious disease.
Click here to learn more about the occupational medicine services offered at Hattiesburg Clinic.
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