An occupational health clinic treats work-related injuries and conducts pre-employment drug screenings and random drug testing. They have specific knowledge of employee compensation benefits and may be required for worker’s compensation claims. They employ medical professionals and can treat common workplace injuries. They also assist employers with drug screening. It’s important to understand worker’s compensation policies and follow company processes to receive benefits.
An occupational health clinic is a medical facility that specifically treats work-related injuries or incidents and helps companies conduct pre-employment drug screenings and random drug testing. Unlike hospitals and private clinics, an occupational health clinic is used to working only with employers and has specific knowledge of employee compensation benefits. That’s not to say that an injured worker can’t seek medical care from a private facility and still receive workers’ compensation benefits, but an occupational health clinic typically doesn’t deal with private insurance companies.
When a worker is injured on the job, there is usually a protocol that must be followed in order for worker’s compensation to be provided. Many companies require an injury report and follow-up from an occupational health clinic before signing up for benefits. While an occupational health clinic won’t treat life-threatening emergencies, such as a heart attack, most are equipped to treat common workplace injuries.
An occupational health clinic employs physicians, x-ray technicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, as well as other types of medical professionals. Depending on the clinic, they can treat lacerations, broken bones, eye injuries, muscle strains, and other common work-related injuries. They may also be equipped to provide physical or occupational therapy for injuries and will certainly be able to refer workers to other specialists who directly deal with worker’s compensation.
In addition to providing medical treatment for workplace injuries, an occupational health clinic will also assist employers with employee drug screening. Many companies require a drug test prior to employment and also perform random drug tests as a condition of continuing to work. High-risk fields like construction are well known for routine drug testing. Occupational health clinics will arrange and collect urine, blood, or hair samples for testing based on employers’ requests. Many times drug and alcohol screening is required at the time of treatment for an injury to meet worker’s compensation claim requirements.
Although an employee who suffers a work-related injury that requires immediate attention is often referred to a local occupational health clinic, employees should know and understand worker’s compensation before filing an injury compensation claim and seeking treatment. In some cases, a claim may not be permitted if your initial treatment was not received at an approved occupational health clinic. If you are injured on the job, be sure to check with your supervisor about the worker’s compensation policy. By not following company process, you could jeopardize any benefits you may be entitled to for treatment, including short- or long-term disability benefits if your company provides them.
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