Anyone in a physically-demanding career, such as construction, is likely familiar with Occupational Medicine, but it applies to all workplaces. Occupational Medicine, or “Occupational Health,” is a Preventive Medicine specialty focused on workplace health and safety with an emphasis on prevention and treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. These specialists also help businesses meet the regulatory requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other health and safety measures specific to their industry.

If your employer requires a health assessment of any kind, they will usually refer you to a practice specializing in Occupational Medicine. Occupational Medicine at Saratoga Hospital has been providing services to area businesses for over 40 years with board certified Occupational Medicine physicians who have 100 years’ experience, combined, and physician assistants and nurse practitioners with over 40 years’ experience. 

Some of the many workplace requirements addressed by the Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Occupational Medicine practice includes: 

• OSHA-mandated surveillance exams, including:
  • Asbestos
  • Lead
  • Chromium VI
  • Formaldehyde
  • Radiationo
  • Cadmium 
  • Crystalline silica
  • Hazmat worker
• FMCSA/DOT Driver exams
• 19A NYS bus driver exams
• FRA railroad exams
• FAA pilot exams
• Audiometry/hearing conservation
• Pulmonary function testing
• Respirator fitness exams
• Qualitative respirator fit testing
• Flu vaccination programs
• Drug and alcohol testing
• MRO review and analysis of drug tests
• Firefighter exams, 
• Travel Medicine consults
• Physical capacity screenings
• WC injury management
• Bloodborne pathogen exposures
• Return-to-work evaluations
   

Your primary care physician may also refer you to an Occupational Medicine physician should you have a workplace injury or exposure. Keeping your workplace safe from disease, such as COVID-19, also falls under the purview of Occupational Medicine. 

Currently, our team is providing a COVID-19 Business Safety Consultation Program, which involves a free 30- to 60-minute consultation for businesses in downtown Saratoga Springs. The program, managed by Taryn Woodard, BS, RN, Associate Director of Occupational Medicine, and funded in part by the Adirondack Trust Company, provides businesses, employees, and patrons in our community with additional peace of mind. 

The team reviews employers’ operational plans and offers suggestions to ensure businesses meet the New York Forward reopening guidelines. They can help employers fine-tune practices on:

• Screening
• Masking
• Social distancing
• Contactless interactions
• Disinfectant use 
• Other measures that can help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

For more information about this program, local businesses or organizations may call Taryn Woodard at 518-886-5414. Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Occupational Medicine is located at 2388 Route 9, Malta, and, as of September 14, will be seeing patients at Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care – Adirondack at 959 Route 9, Queensbury. Learn more about Occupational Medicine at SaratogaHospital.org.