What is Industrial Medicine?

Industrial Medicine is a scientific discipline designed to reduce or eliminate work place injuries or disabilities. Physical and Occupational Therapists, using the science of Industrial Medicine, are medical professionals trained to recognize potential workplace hazards and recommend corrective action before a problem exists. Should an employee experience medical problems, a therapist can assist the rehabilitation process, getting the employee safely back to the work in the least possible amount of time. Therapists also evaluate new-hire candidates for physical and emotional compatibility with functional job descriptions.

Why have an Industrial Medicine program?

Many reasons exists to justify having have an Industrial Medicine program, but the primary reasons are economic and social. Injuries or disabilities reduce the productivity of an industry and expose companies to increased workers compensation rates, fines by OSHA and/or other regulatory agencies. The avoidance of costs associated with increasing workers compensation rates or the resulting liabilities that occur with an injured employee will more than pay the cost of an Industrial Medicine program. Experienced, injured workers which are unable to work at their normal jobs are replaced with inexperienced workers who are less productive and much more prone to injuring themselves or a co employee, further increasing the liability to the employer. The shortage of trained labor combined with an aging work force, further exacerbates the economic loss of an employee due to injury. Lost time due to injury has an economic impact on both the worker and the employer. Applied Medical, Inc professionals are trained to give unbiased expert witness testimony on behalf of the client in the event of injury related litigation or law suites.

Who provides Industrial Medicine services?

Standardized programs have been developed that quantify the physical testing and evaluation of employees. These programs were developed by therapists and are based on science rather than arbitrary or emotional criteria. Applied Medical, Inc has subscribed to the Work Well System formerly known as Isernhagen Industrial Medicine program. Work Well System has been nationally recognized as the leader in developing and implementing Industrial Medicine programs. Work Well System is the preferred Industrial Medicine provider to Workers Compensation Insurers. Applied Medical, Inc provides therapy services to communities in North and South Dakota. As a "for profit" corporation, Applied Medical, Inc understands that industrial programs must provide more value than they cost to attract and maintain customers. Applied Medical, Inc has created flexible, customized programs that fit clients of various sizes, claims history, and other factors. The "one size fits all" attitude as practiced by the traditional medical community, is not acceptable to most businesses and is not used by Applied Medical, Inc.

What are the components of Industrial Medicine?

Industrial Medicine as a science is implemented is a systematic efficient series of phases. They are:

• Preliminary phase
  • Review of workers compensation, OSHA, insurance claims, and any other forms of historical documentation of the work place and work history of the facility. Determine economic impact of Industrial Medicine Program implementation.
  • Walk through assessment of the work place. One walk through per shift.
  • Employee and management interviews.
  • Programs designed by staff of Applied Medical, Inc based upon preliminary findings.
  • Programs presented by Applied Medical, Inc to upper management of modification, goal and milestone settings, final acceptance and sign off.
• Implementation phase
  • Informational meetings and seminars presented by Applied Medical, Inc, to inform all employees and staff the goals and purpose of the program.
  • Document and implement any required changes to the work place.
  • Educate employees on proper techniques.
  • Modify or create job description that match the jobs' functional requirements.
  • Preform Functional Job Site Analysis of exiting employees when required.
  • Preform pre-employment screens of all new employee candidates.
  • Rehabilitate injured employees.
  • Follow all guidelines and procedures as required by Work Well Systems.
• Evaluation phase
  • Applied Medical, Inc, combined with the resources of the client, maintain the program.
  • Periodic, joint reviews by Applied Medical, Inc and the client to maintain an efficient, modern program that meets the needs of ever-changing law and client needs.

How does a company start an Industrial Medicine program?

A comprehensive Industrial Medicine Program can be started by phoning (701) 255-7920 and scheduling a no-cost appointment with an Applied Medical, Inc professional.