Understanding Occupational Health Services
In today’s fast-paced work environment, employee health and workplace safety are more important than ever. Occupational health services play a critical role in helping businesses create healthier, more productive workplaces by preventing injuries, managing health risks, and promoting overall well-being. Whether you’re managing a small business or a large organization, ensuring your employees’ health is not just a legal responsibility—it’s an investment in your company’s success.
At Granville Health System, we understand the unique challenges faced by employers in maintaining a safe and efficient workplace. With a suite of occupational health services, we provide services to businesses across Granville County and surrounding areas to provide tailored care that meets your needs. From pre-employment screenings to injury management and mental health support, our services are designed to protect your workforce and keep your business running smoothly.
Let Granville Health System help you build a healthier, safer future for your employees and your organization.
What are Occupational Health Services?
Occupational health services are specialized programs designed to ensure the health, safety, and productivity of employees in the workplace. These services address key areas such as injury prevention, hazard management, wellness screenings, and mental health support. By identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them, occupational health services help businesses reduce workplace accidents, comply with safety regulations, and create a healthier, more productive workforce.
Workplace risks are mitigated through both proactive and responsive measures. For example, pre-employment physicals and drug screenings verify that new hires are physically capable and safe to perform their duties. Providers also offer vaccinations and can implement stress management programs to promote long-term health and resilience. If injuries occur, immediate care and structured return-to-work plans ensure that employees recover effectively while minimizing workplace disruption.
Why are Occupational Health Services Important?
In 2023, over 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in the United States, with nearly 1 million cases requiring time away from work. These incidents cost businesses billions of dollars annually in medical expenses, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims. Addressing these challenges is where occupational health services becomes invaluable.
By identifying risks and implementing preventative measures, occupational health services reduce accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations. When incidents occur, these services provide immediate care and structured recovery plans, helping employees return to work safely and efficiently. Proactive programs like ergonomic assessments, hazard monitoring, and stress management further minimize workplace risks and improve overall employee well-being.
Types of Occupational Health Services
The services provided by occupational health are as follows:
Pre-employment services
- Pre-employment physicals
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Pulmonary function testing
- Vision testing
- Audiograms
- Verification of vaccinations and antibodies
Workplace Safety and Hazard Management
- Medical surveillance exams
- Hazard monitoring for chemicals, noise, etc
- Reduce the chance of physical hazards (slips, falls, heavy lifting)
Injury and Illness Care
- First aid and immediate treatment of minor injuries
- Return-to-work planning
- Fit-for-duty evaluations
Preventative Health Measures
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- Wellness screenings
- Personal protective equipment
- Employee education and safety training
- Promote healthy lifestyle habits within the workplace
Benefits of Occupational Health Services
For Employers:
- Reduce the costs associated with healthcare and workplace injuries by addressing health risks and preventing accidents.
- Improve productivity by decreasing the number of days missed due to injury or illness. Plus, healthy employees tend to be more productive.
- Increased employee retention because employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes their health.
- Fewer workers’ compensation claims by reducing the number of workplace injuries.
For Employees:
- Ensure safety with the establishment of preventative measures to maintain a healthy work environment.
- Quick recovery from injuries due to improved and immediate access to healthcare. ● Access to mental health support to address work-related stress or other mental health concerns.
- Wellness resources in the form of onsite health promotion programs, online wellness portals, annual screening exams, etc.
For Workplaces:
- Lower the risk of hazards by performing risk assessments and implementing preventative measures.
- Guarantee compliance with industry regulations through adherence to relevant workplace safety and health standards.
- Foster a culture of safety and well-being by actively involving employees in safety practices to ensure safety concerns are openly communicated.
How to Choose the Right Occupational Health Provider
When selecting an occupational health provider keep a few key criteria in mind. First, make sure the medical staff have experience in your industry and knowledge relevant to your industry’s unique hazards. Next check if they offer a comprehensive range of services that fit your company’s needs, such as onsite care, mobile capabilities, and telehealth availability. Ask the provider if they offer a full spectrum of occupational health services from pre-employment screenings to wellness programs. Finally, research the provider’s track record, looking at testimonials and case studies.
Looking for an experienced occupational health provider near you? Contact Granville Health System today! We proudly serve Granville, Vance, Person, Wake, and Durham counties.
Addressing Common Workplace Risks
Many common injuries and health issues can be mitigated by occupational health services.
If a slip, trip, or fall occurs in the workplace early interventions will improve the injury outcome. Return-to-work plans will reduce the amount of time an employee is required to miss work. Furthermore, such injuries can be prevented by worksite modifications.
Another common issue is overexertion. Safety training programs can prevent overexertion by educating employees on lifting techniques. Occupational health might also provide tools that reduce manual exertion.
Other injuries, such as those caused by repetitive strain, can be mitigated through the use of ergonomic equipment and optimizing workstation design.
Occupational health services can assist with all these strategies.
Final Thoughts
Occupational health provides a valuable service by managing risks and preventing workplace illnesses and injuries. It also provides comprehensive care to workers by ensuring the well-being of workers and the treatment of work-related injuries. Occupational health services are vital to a company’s success through the creation of a healthy and productive work environment.
Ready to implement a tailored occupational health program? Contact us to get started today.
FAQs about Occupational Health Services
What industries benefit the most from occupational health services?
Any industry with a high risk of workplace injuries would benefit most from occupational health services. This includes industries in construction, manufacturing, transportation, health, and more.
How do occupational health programs save money for businesses?
Occupational health programs improve workplace conditions and prevent work-related injuries and illness. This translates to a reduction of workers’ compensation claims, medical expenses, and lost productivity due to missing workdays.
What’s included in a typical occupational health assessment?
An occupational health assessment includes medical examinations, analysis of any potential job related risks, and recommendations to improve safety and wellbeing of employees.
Can small businesses afford occupational health services?
There are several options to help small businesses afford occupational health services. One strategy is to “pay-as-you-go”, where the businesses only pay for occupational health service when needed. Another option is a free OSHA consult available for small businesses. Also, there are organizations or consultants that can help small businesses tailor an occupational health plan for their needs reducing the cost for unnecessary services.
Granville Health System: Your Resource for Occupational Health Services
Get started on providing occupational health services to your employees now. Granville Health System is ready to assist your business in Granville, Vance, Person, Wake, and Durham counties.
