Our Industrial Rehab program can assist those persons who have suffered an injury or illness that is affecting their ability to work. Any person with physical symptoms and limitations that are affecting their work performance may be placed into this program. The therapy staff can then work with the doctor and employer to help address the work site needs in addition to management of the person’s specific diagnosis.
On Site Employee/Employer Education
To help educate employers and employees about the importance of work safety and to reduce injuries, we offer a variety of education sessions that can be provided at the work site. Topics of industrial rehabilitation include, but are not limited to:
- Proper Material Handling Techniques
- Work Place Exercise Programs
- Job Rotation
- Ergonomic Hazard Awareness
- Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Industrial Rehab Education Programs
Our Industrial Rehabilitation Department provides education and training for employers, employees and community members. Whether it be an employer needing ergonomic training for front line supervisors, or a civic group needing information regarding our women’s health programs, we always welcome the opportunity to educate and embrace our community.
Ergonomic Consultation
Ergonomics is a process of identifying and removing barriers between people and their work environment. The prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) has employers looking for ways to decrease employees’ risk for injury. Ergonomic programs have shown to be very positive additions to safety and health programs at the work site. Our Certified Ergonomists can help identify and redesign high-risk jobs that may expose an employee to increased risk for developing an MSD.
SOMC Industrial Rehab Services provides on-site ergonomic studies to help employers prevent work-related injuries or development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This service can also help insure the safe return to work for someone recovering from an injury, as well as decrease the chance of a re-injury. Ergonomic programs have been proven effective to help reduce workers compensation costs, increase productivity and morale, and improve the quality of work.
Work Reintegration
With the program, we work with the physician, injured employee and the company to identify safe work tasks that place the injured employee at the highest level of productivity within his/her physical limitations. We will meet with the worker and their employer at the work site to evaluate the job duties and tasks that best match with the employee’s physical capabilities. A progression of work duties is developed into a TRTW plan that is reviewed and signed by the employee, employer, and the doctor. This team approach ensures that all team members are in agreement as to what is the best care for the injured employee. By closely monitoring the worker’s progress we can address issues quickly and recommend modification to the TRTW plan accordingly.
Transitional Return to Work Program
Since 1995, we have provided area employers with the opportunity to take advantage of the Transitional Return to Work Program. This program helps injured workers return to work as quickly and safely as possible. While an injured employee may need time to heal before returning to his or her original job level, he or she may be able to gradually build back up to that level-while working. This allows the employee to contribute and be productive at the work site, but remain safe during the recovery process.
With the Transitional Return to Work Program, SOMC therapists work with the physician and the company to identify safe work tasks that place the injured worker at the highest level of productivity within physical limitations. As part of the evaluation process, therapists from SOMC will visit your company and complete a comprehensive job evaluation. They will also work with the employee’s physician to develop a plan to gradually progress the restricted employee to full duty. During this transitional time, the transitional work specialist from SOMC will visit the job site, available for consultation, and will keep the rehabilitation team informed of the employee’s progress.
This early intervention program returns injured workers back to the work site safely, reduces lost-time and lowers costs. For more information about the Transitional Return to Work Program or other services, please contact.