Occupational Health
Treatment and program management are provided by trained therapists who have experience treating work-related injuries and responding to the concerns of clients. Effective return-to-work is facilitated through team communication by the client, therapist, and employer.
Occupational Health programs we offer that are specific to the workplace include:
Work-Related Injury and Illness Treatment
Assessments are completed and individualized therapy programs are established with the goal of an expedient return to work. Emphasis is also placed on education to instruct the employee in home exercises as well as proper body mechanics that can help prevent or minimize further injury.
Functional Capacity Evaluations
The Rehabilitation Services Department has three therapists trained in administering Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs). The FCE is composed of a series of tests aimed at identifying a person’s ability to safely and effectively perform the duties of a specific job or a general occupation. Our therapists are trained by ErgoScience based out of Birmingham, AL. The ErgoScience FCE is the only FCE that has comprehensive reliability and validity research for the complete test published in a peer reviewed journal. An FCE is appropriate for individuals who have reached maximum medical improvement and need objective data to close a case or find a job that is appropriate for their ability level.
Work Conditioning
Therapists assess the injured employee's abilities as related to their specific job. They then create an individualized program to assist them in attaining maximum function to return to work as quickly and safely as possible.
On-Site Ergonomic Job Assessment
This assessment provides valuable information to assist the employer in designing a safe, healthy work environment for new and existing employees to prevent injury and costly workers compensation claims as well as lost work time. Ergonomic assessments also are beneficial for treating an injured employee and result in an ergonomically-designed work environment to assist in the prevention of further injuries.
Pre-Placement, Job-Specific Evaluations
These evaluations are designed to help employers assess an employee’s or applicant’s ability to safely perform the essential functions of a specific job. Its goal is to assist employers in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, while still ensuring on-the-job safety for their employees.
Educational Programs
These programs are designed to educate participants on the body’s function, proper body mechanics, and appropriate exercises to assist in the prevention of injuries. These programs include Low-Back and Neck Care, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cumulative Trauma Disorders, Video Display Terminal Use, Upper-Body Fitness, Pre-Shift Stretching, and Pre-Placement Back Training. The Programs can be offered to employees, supervisors, or management. Additional programs may be designed upon request to meet individual company’s needs.