Health in the Workplace – Stay Healthy for More Productivity

Health care costs are increasing day by day. Presently it forms 20 per cent share of the GDP. These costs decrease the profit of the companies. This in turn, increases the prices of goods. Federal government imposed several rules to improve the health of the employee. Every company has to provide accurate records of employee health programs, services, control use of hazardous substances etc. these rules has decreased serious occupational injuries.Occupational Health and Safety act of 1970 Occupational Health and Safety Administration has enacted a rule called ‘ Occupational Health and Safety act of 1970 '. According to this act, companies have to follow the below stated rules to maintain health in the work place: Emergency Medical Care : Every company has to provide minimum first aid and emergency medical services at the workplace. If any employee falls sick at the workplace, he is entitled to proper care. Big companies should employ a trained physician who takes care of the health problems of the employees. Pre-placement Examination : This examination certifies that a particular employee is fit for the job. His or Her health is in a condition to handle the work assigned. This is to be done before hiring an employee. Physician should be appointed or contracted for this medical assessment. Medical Surveillance Examination : This is the policy for the companies using hazardous substances. This examination is used, at regular intervals, to monitor the employee health when exposed to toxics so as to reduce serious illness and to avoid death by the substance. Periodic Health Examinations : These are the regular check ups for the employees at free of cost. This helps in the early detection of diseases and indirectly reduces the absenteeism. Return to Work Programs : This program helps sick or injured employees to return to work as early as possible. These programs include low insurance costs, enhanced retention programs and employee relations. Physician has to decide whether the employee can do full time or part time. Employee Health Management Program : Some companies provide employees with health care at different select hospitals. Sometimes their families can also access the medical care. Such companies have also established larger medical care facilities off-site. All companies should provide emergency services at the workplace only. Wellness Programs : Many companies provide wellness programs. These programs help educate employees about the health risks. This reduces health care costs and also absenteeism. Employees are educated on various topics such as obesity, cholesterol, and smoking etc. Workers Compensation : Employees should be given compensation if they suffer from work related injuries. Employers should pay a substantial amount that covers the treatment as well as for the future of the employee in case of the injury is severe. AIDS in the Workplace : AIDS should not be treated as a contagious disease. It is not transmitted by casual contacts. Employee should not be discriminated because of this disease, neither by the employer nor by the fellow employees. There are cases where AIDS patients have been removed from the jobs. In such cases, the removed employee can fight back. Employee Assistance Programs : Companies also provide counseling services to the employees who are suffering from personal problems, drug abuse, emotional, financial, and family problems. However the problem of ethics comes in here. The physician should abstain from passing the confidential information of the employee to the management. This is the reason many people do not avail this facility even if it is available for free. Drug Testing : Employer should implement drug or alcoholic testing to check if the employees are working under the effect of any drug or alcohol. This helps in avoiding the negative effect on the employee safety and helps boost the employee performance. Companies, which have implemented these policies has increased their productivity, health care costs also decreased. Insurance companies are helping companies for the purpose.

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