Occupational medicine is a medical specialty that deals with the prevention and treatment of conditions and injuries in the workplace. Our occupational medicine doctor is an expert in the comprehensive treatment of a wide array of conditions and injuries for the worker and in developing dynamic plans to return to work and healthy activity.
At Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics, our experts understand that conditions and injuries affecting your bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can make working or getting back to work difficult. Our occupational medicine doctor will work with you to assess your injury or condition and develop a return-to-work plan custom-tailored to each individual patient.
What is Occupational Medicine?
Occupational medicine focuses on the health and well-being of workers within the workplace by managing workplace injuries or illnesses and promoting employees’ health and safety. The goal of the field is to promote overall worker health and productivity by taking a preventative approach to injuries or occupational disease that workers could be exposed to, and how to mitigate them.
What Does an Occupational Healthcare Provider Do?
An occupational physician, or occupational medicine specialist, is focused on the treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. An occupational doctor doesn’t only treat injuries or diseases that are tied to their workplace but may help to develop health policies for companies and address concerns for preventing occupational stress.
Specialists in occupational medicine can work in an array of environments, from hospitals to government agencies, with duties that include:
- Workplace Health Assessments: Occupational physicians assess the workplace environment to identify potential health hazards, whether they are physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial. They may conduct site visits, review work processes, and recommend measures to mitigate risks.
- Pre-Employment Examinations: Before individuals start a new job, occupational physicians may conduct pre-employment medical examinations to ensure that the prospective employees are physically and mentally fit for the specific demands of the job.
- Health Surveillance: Monitoring the health of workers who may be exposed to specific occupational hazards. This includes regular medical check-ups and screenings to detect and address potential health issues early on.
- Injury and Illness Management: When employees experience work-related injuries or illnesses, occupational physicians are involved in their medical care and rehabilitation. They work with other healthcare professionals, employers, and insurers to facilitate a safe and timely return to work.
- Disability Management: Occupational physicians assist in managing disabilities and determining appropriate accommodations to support employees in returning to work after an injury or illness.
- Health Promotion and Education: Developing and implementing health promotion programs aimed at improving the overall well-being of the workforce.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that workplaces comply with occupational health and safety regulations by guiding the development and implementation of safety policies and procedures.
- Advisory Role: Serving as advisors to employers, employees, and other healthcare professionals on matters related to occupational health, such as creating a safe work environment and promoting employee well-being.
Common Types of Medical Conditions and Work-related Injuries
Physicians who practice occupational medicine often deal with a wide range of work-related injuries, and the specific types can vary depending on the industry and the nature of the work, including:
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Strains, sprains, and repetitive strain injuries are common in many workplaces, especially those that involve manual labor, heavy lifting, or repetitive motions.
- Traumatic Injuries: Accidents and injuries resulting from slips, trips, falls, or being struck by objects are common in various work environments.
- Back Injuries: Improper lifting techniques, poor ergonomics, and heavy physical work can contribute to back injuries among workers.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or food services may be at risk of cuts and lacerations from tools, machinery, or sharp objects.
- Burns and Scalds: Workers in industries involving chemicals, hot surfaces, or open flames may be at risk of burns and scalds.
- Respiratory Issues: Exposure to hazardous substances, dust, fumes, or gases can lead to respiratory problems, including occupational asthma or other respiratory conditions.
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noises in certain industries, such as construction or manufacturing, can result in hearing loss.
- Occupational Dermatitis: Contact with irritants or allergens in the workplace can lead to skin conditions, such as dermatitis or eczema.
- Eye Injuries: Workers in industries with potential eye hazards, such as construction or manufacturing, may experience injuries from foreign objects, chemicals, or other hazards.
- Work-Related Stress and Mental Health Issues: Occupational physicians may also address mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression, that can arise from workplace factors such as high job demands, long hours, or interpersonal conflicts.
- Work-Related Infections: In certain healthcare or laboratory settings, there may be a risk of exposure to infectious agents, leading to work-related infections.
Why choose Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics?
Our occupational medicine doctor at Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics has completed training in workplace health. With this training, Dr. Michael Santoro has the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat your injury or condition individually to your needs.
To consult with our occupational medicine doctor at Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics, please call (360) 424-7041 or request an appointment online.