Ergonomics
2023 Top Workplace Safety Trends
Briotix Health experts discuss the top workplace safety and ergonomic trends to consider for your work-related injury prevention programs in 2023.
Learn how on-site clinical solutions in the workplace can prevent injuries through discomfort management, reduced re-injury, and education.
Injury prevention in the workplace is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. With rising healthcare costs, doubling to a rise of 8.5% compared to 2024, and the significant impact of injuries on both employees and employers, the impact of a robust injury prevention program is immense.
This article explores three primary topics for injury prevention through on-site clinics and clinical solutions: injury reduction through discomfort management, reduced re-injury from proper return to work care, and injury reduction through education. Additionally, it will highlight how on-site clinical solutions enhance the understanding of job-specific requirements, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
What are Clinical Solutions?
To analyze how this service can impact injury prevention, we have to understand what exactly Clinical Solutions are! Covering a variety of health and wellness services, in addition to telehealth options, clinical solutions place healthcare professionals directly in your workplace. By including healthcare providers in your workplace, they can understand your workers better, identify discomforts before they become injuries, and implement solutions earlier in the injury lifecycle, when necessary.
You may see these solutions implemented as on-site clinics where employees can visit during their workday as well as access to virtual, occupationally-trained providers, and educational materials available 24/7/365! Fundamentally, clinical solutions aim to remove every barrier to health and wellness for employees, highlighting preventative care, and improving your workplace for everyone who works there.
Injury Reduction Through Discomfort Management
Discomfort in the workplace, if not addressed promptly, can lead to serious injuries over time. Injury prevention rates can even be a leading indicator of a company's long-term stability according to OSHA.
Proactive discomfort management is essential in preventing injuries and ensuring employee well-being. Healthcare services, first aid, and quality of life improvements from a properly implemented clinical solution play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing discomfort before it escalates. Three primary avenues of success clinicians employ are:
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Regular Health Screenings
- Mental Health Support
How Ergonomic Assessments Reduce Injuries
One of the primary tools utilized by on-site clinics for discomfort management is an ergonomic assessment. These occupational health tools evaluate your workplace, are used to refine job tasks, and make adjustments to reduce physical strain on employees and directly reduce injuries. Proper ergonomic practices, provided by the assessments on employees completing work tasks, are the key factors in these reductions.
Changes to the physical workplace and alterations of work practices to reduce strain are all overseen by Certified Ergonomists to maximize impact. 521,000 musculoskeletal disorders were recorded from 2021-2022 in the US workforce. By creating a workspace that minimizes discomfort, employees are less likely to develop these musculoskeletal disorders, reducing absenteeism and productivity losses.
The Impact of Regular Health Screenings on Employees
Regular health screenings conducted by on-site healthcare providers can help identify early signs of discomfort and potential injury risks. These screenings can include physical examinations, annual biometric screenings and collection, posture assessments, and evaluations of repetitive motion tasks. Early detection of issues allows for timely interventions, such as physical therapy or changes in work routines, preventing minor discomfort from evolving into chronic conditions.
Additionally, real-time support in the workplace from health centers can act as an encouragement to employees who may feel reticent about reaching out to a clinician outside of work, whether the factor be time, distance, or other obstacles. By removing the barriers to healthcare, you can build a better workplace.
Why You Should Implement Mental Health Services in the Workplace
Stress and anxiety can manifest as physical discomfort, leading to a higher risk of injuries. On-site clinical solutions, staffing a mental health provider with support, such as counseling services and stress management programs, can significantly reduce the incidence of stress-related injuries. By promoting mental well-being, employers can create a healthier and more resilient workforce.
Reduced Re-Injury from Return-to-Work Care
Returning to work after an injury can be challenging, and without proper care, there is a risk of re-injury. Effective return-to-work care is essential to ensure a smooth transition and long-term recovery for employees. With an on-site care clinic in your workplace, there is another layer of support for employees returning to work.
One of the most effective clinical solutions for reducing re-injury is the implementation of personalized rehabilitation programs. By customizing the rehabilitation process, healthcare providers can address individual challenges and ensure that employees are fully prepared to resume their duties without risking further injury.
Ongoing monitoring and support from on-site healthcare providers are also crucial for preventing re-injury and chronic absenteeism. Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals allow for the early detection of any signs of re-injury or complications. Timely interventions, such as modifying work tasks or providing additional therapy sessions, ensure that employees remain on the path to full recovery.
Mental Health Considerations
Returning to work after an injury can be mentally and emotionally challenging. On-site clinical solutions that include mental health support can help employees cope with the stress and anxiety associated with the return-to-work process. Counseling services, stress management workshops, and peer support groups can provide the necessary emotional support, reducing the risk of mental health issues that could hinder the recovery process.
High-quality patient care is a force multiplier for your workplace, promoting better health outcomes for every employee. Connections with your employees primary care doctors, through an on-site clinic, continues the cycle of care outside the workplace as well.
Injury Reduction Through Education
Education is a powerful tool for preventing workplace injuries. By equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and mitigate risks, employers can create a safer work environment. Clinical solutions that focus on education can have a lasting impact on injury prevention and company culture.
Training Programs
Comprehensive training programs are a cornerstone of injury prevention through education. Proper lifting techniques, daily stretching routines, and safe work practices all work together to reduce injuries. Wellness centers can conduct these training sessions, tailoring them to the specific needs and risks of the worksite. Regular refresher courses on behavioral health ensure that employees stay updated on the latest safety protocols and best practices.
Patient Education
Patient education is another critical aspect of injury prevention. On-site healthcare providers can educate employees about the importance of self-care, early symptom recognition, and the benefits of seeking timely medical attention. Empowering employees with this knowledge encourages them to take proactive steps in managing their health and preventing injuries. Patient education also fosters a culture of health and safety within the workplace.
Awareness Campaigns
Awareness campaigns can include posters, newsletters, and workshops that highlight common workplace hazards and practical tips for avoiding injuries. Regular awareness initiatives keep safety at the forefront of employees' minds, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
The Advantage of On-Site Clinical Solutions
On-site clinical solutions offer a unique advantage in injury prevention. By being present in the workplace, healthcare providers gain a deeper understanding of the specific jobs and tasks that employees perform. This firsthand knowledge allows for more accurate assessments and tailored interventions.
- Discomfort Management
- Reduced Re-Injury
- On-site Communication and Education
The combination of these three pillars creates the basis for on-site clinical solutions, improving employee health and wellness.
Injury prevention with clinical solutions in the workplace is a multifaceted approach that addresses discomfort management, return to work care, and education. By leveraging on-site clinical solutions, employers can create a safer and healthier work environment. Regular ergonomic assessments, personalized rehabilitation programs, and comprehensive training initiatives are essential components of this strategy. Additionally, mental health support and patient education play critical roles in promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of injuries. With the right clinical solutions in place, employers can protect their most valuable asset—their employees—while fostering a culture of safety and health.
