What is occupational medicine?

According to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Canada,
occupational medicine is a preventive medical discipline that deals
clinically and administratively with the health care needs of workers
individually and in groups with respect to their working environment.
Occupational medicine involves the recognition, evaluation, control,
management, prevention and rehabilitation of occupationally related
diseases and injuries.

PWR Health Consultants operates on the premise that occupational
medicine also involves non-occupational related injures and diseases
as they impact workplace performance.

Why does my organization need an occupational health
physician?

Your organization needs an occupational health physician for the
following reasons:

• Health strategies can be used to attract and retain
  high-performance employees. High tech companies use
  occupational health strategies for this purpose.
  
  
• General practice physicians do not have the time or training to
  deal with work-related issues.
  
  
• Many organizations are not aware of the high costs of poor
  health in the workplace and its impact on productivity.
  
  
• Many legal claims result, in part, from lack of a comprehensive
  health program. This includes compliance with medical
  surveillance under provincial occupational health and safety
  legislation.

What should I look for in an occupational health physician?

Look for history of work experience in occupational health and
professional designations. In Canada, professional designations can include any
one or a combination of the following:

• Fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (FRCP)
  (occupational medicine)
  
  
• Certificate of the Canadian Board of Occupational Medicine
  (CCBOM)
  
  
• Diploma in Industry Health (DIH)
  
  
• Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS)