Basics of Occupational Medicine
Occupational medicine specialists have important roles, especially in the smooth transition for injured workers. These licensed professionals usually provide expert assistance for workers following their injuries or illnesses.
Among their roles and responsibilities are:
- Injury management and rehabilitation, which includes worksite and injury risk assessments, early interventional rehabilitation, and occupational rehabilitation counselling
- Injury prevention, which includes ergonomic assessments, work conditioning programs, and workplace redesign
- Training, which includes manual handling, stress management, and safe work practices.
Since each organization has specific needs and wants in occupational therapy programs, occupational therapists usually formulate a customized program for each client. For example, a manufacturing company will have a different occupational therapy program than a retail company, in the same manner that each worker may also have his/her own customized program.
Always discuss your options with a licensed occupational therapist from Healthpointe. For example, their clinic at Ontario (near Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Montclair, and Chino), will have these professionals on board to answer your questions.
When you want to hire them, you have to remember the following things:
- The patients must work with them to achieve the best results.
- They will provide valuable inputs and feedback regarding the safety risks present in the workplace. You, as the employer, must take into consideration their recommended suggestions about ergonomics, safety measures, and rehabilitation programs.
For example, in a work conditioning program, workers who have been injured can return to work with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent further injury and to avoid workplace accidents. The workers who have undergone the program are more likely to exhibit increased work performance than those who have not because of their increased awareness.
Occupational therapists are, indeed, valuable partners for worker productivity and safety. Getting one on board will pay off in dividends, both monetary and non-monetary. Just be sure to hire the best that your budget can afford.
Come to the Healthpointe clinic for occupational therapy services. We have many clinics throughout Southern California, including our clinic at Long Beach, which is near Signal Hill, Carson, Seal Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, and Los Alamitos.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Long Beach, which is conveniently located by Signal Hill, Carson, Seal Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, and Los Alamitos. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.