Occupational Health Program improves worker health and morale
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Several new programs have gotten underway at Sutter Lakeside Hospital including those supporting workers and the workplace.
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Occupational Medicine
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Under John Gorbenko, Director of Sutter Lakeside's Emergency Room, and Occupational Health Services, the Occupational Medicine Department also handles pre-placement screening for employers, conducts annual physical exams or exams required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
"The hope is to get people back to work as soon as they can," said Gorbenko.
Under interim Medical Director, Dr. Bruce Deas, the program is also responsible for immunization and infection control, tetanus shots for people who get cut at work, physicals for families under the Healthy families Program, and required worker screenings for such diseases as hepatitis and chicken pox.
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Ergonomic Assessment Program
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The Sutter Lakeside Ergonomic Assessment program fills a growing workplace need. Ergonomics is the science of fitting a job or workstation to an employee to prevent injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. "There has been a huge increase in musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel. These injuries are caused when an employee repeats the same task over and over again, or maintains awkward positions for periods of time," said Rhonda Phillips, Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist at Sutter Lakeside. "I go out to area businesses, visit the worksite, and then write a comprehensive report outlining recommendations to reduce employee injury and avoid the costs associated with a worker's compensation claim," Phillips stated. "On-the-spot corrections may be made during the evaluation leading to rapid solutions," said Phillips.
An ergonomic lab will soon be constructed at Sutter Lakeside Hospital so that the hospital employees, as well as employees from area employers, may come in and road-test equipment, such as chairs, before any major purchases are made.
Employers benefit from an ergonomic assessment by reducing worker's compensation premiums, complying with present and future OSHA guidelines, and reducing lost work time due to a work injury. "Also, there's often improved employee morale," Phillips added, "When their employer does this for them, it means a lot. It says they value them as an employee and are concerned about their health." Ultimately, overall productivity is improved.
Anyone interested in the Occupational Health Program can call (707) 262-5115. For more information about the Ergonomics Program, please call (707) 262-5090.
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