An occupational health specialist is usually a licensed RN or LPN who administers direct care to employees. They may either work onsite for an employer or they may work in a nearby medical clinic. Either way, they will apply their professional expertise within their state’s regulations and scope of practices. They often work under the direct supervision of an clinical supervisor.
Off-site Occupational Health Care
Many large labor, industrial and manufacturing facilities understandably have a continuous flow of minor injuries and medical issues. They usually deliver care to employees at off-site clinics that cater to the occupational health crowd. These special clinics will have the medical expertise needed to deal with work related injuries and accidents. Occupational health specialist who work here will adhere to health care policies, protocols, medical directives and physician’s orders.
They may participate in occupational health and safety teaching of employees and supervisors. Occupational health specialist must establish and maintain good working relationships with departmental staff, supervisors and local health care providers. They will be familiar with state and federal regulations related to OSHA, HIPAA and workers’ compensation. They may conduct, facilitate and document fire drills, medical training, incident response and other emergency incidents.
On-site Occupational Health Care
These occupational health specialists will be responsible for treating work illness and personal injuries within authorized protocols. They directly work with occupational health providers and workers’ compensation administrators to provide the best possible outcomes for ill and injured employees. They provide support and assistance to the safety manager or department by helping keep employees safe and healthy.
These occupational health specialists will provide treatment and follow-up care of injuries. They will track data, complete records and participate in accident investigations. They will generate physical restrictions for light-duty assignments, which will reduce pressure from OSHA. They may follow-up with injured employees who return to work to ensure they follow the physician’s ordered restrictions. These specialists may actively participate in emergency management activities.
Environmental Safety and Occupational Health
Environmental safety and occupational health professionals are not nurses, but rather industrial hygienists and safety engineers who identify, evaluate and control work hazards and stressors. They implement and coordinate occupational health and safety programs that ensure compliance with state, federal and OSHA regulations and directives. These professionals monitor and investigate health, safety and environmental concerns like fatal accidents and air quality assessments.
They often work with other departmental heads, such as maintenance, human resources, engineering services and company safety. They will provide orientations to new hires and ongoing departmental training programs to existing employees. After they review injury and unsafe condition reports, they may conduct investigations to determine causes and factors. They will perform periodic industrial hygiene, health assessments and safety audits of the company.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that occupational health and safety specialists will have a bachelor’s degree in a related scientific or technical field, such as engineering and industrial hygiene. Occupational health specialists who are active nurses will need to have a license in their current state of employment. They will also need to maintain current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications. They may pursue a master’s degree in health physics or occupational therapy.