Occupational Health Services | Hackensack Meridian Health   
Hackensack Meridian Works

Occupational Health Services

Including but not limited to:


Occupational Health Service Descriptions

Blood Chemical Analysis

Our medical technicians are certified and trained in phlebotomy and equipped with the necessary tools to draw blood and analyze the samples in a laboratory at one of our hospitals. We can provide any blood test ranging from a complete blood count (CBC) or comprehensive metabolic panel to more esoteric tests such as acetylcholinesterase levels.

Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT)

Our clinical staff consists of trained, certified breath alcohol technicians (BATs) who can perform breath alcohol testing. If we perform a screening on your employee and the initial individual screening requires confirmation, the test will automatically repeat. The designated employer representative (DER) is notified if the confirmation test is positive.

Cardiac Stress Testing

There are a variety of screening tests for coronary artery insufficiency. The graded exercise tolerance test (GXT), commonly known as the stress test or treadmill test, is one of the standard tests offered through our program. We can schedule the tests and communicate the results to your workforce, and a board-certified cardiologist can perform the tests.

Case Management

Our case managers can oversee work-related injuries and illnesses and provide professional assessment, planning, monitoring and evaluation of care. In addition, our case managers can effectively communicate the medical status of each case on a concurrent basis to your employee representative(s).

Clinical Testing

We offer clinical testing, which includes:

  • Lab work
  • Vaccinations
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis

Drug Screening

Our clinical staff performs urine drug screening and is trained in compliance with The Department of Transportation's (DOT) rule, 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 40. Our physicians are experts in analyzing drug screening results and are certified as medical review officers (MRO).

Early Return to Work Modified Duty Plans

We use a combination of modified duty plans, appropriately scheduled follow-up examinations, orthopedic referrals and physical therapy to assist in employee treatment and accelerated case closure. Modified duty is vital to improving productivity and reducing loss of time claims. Our board-certified physicians assess, document and communicate the injured employee's diagnosis, prognosis and duty restrictions to the employer and other appropriate parties.

Electrocardiograms (EKG)

An electrocardiogram (EKG) screens the electrical activity of the heart. Our offices are equipped with state-of-the-art 12-lead EKG machines and are administered during physical examinations if required. After being calibrated by a trained technician or nurse, the EKG electronically performs the test and is equipped with auto-interpretation. One of our physicians will then interpret the EKG for the patient during the exam and send the findings to a cardiologist for verification and a final read.

Ergonomic Evaluations

We offer a post-offer physical abilities assessment administered by a physical therapist trained in ergonomics and job analysis. This comprehensive assessment includes:

  • An onsite ergonomic analysis for the job tasks of the identified role
  • A validated customized job report, along with a customized post-offer test protocol
  • Solutions that may require ergonomic changes to the workstation or further training/conditioning for the employee, such as designing an exercise regimen to keep employees comfortable and safe at work
  • Evaluations and recommendations for entire departments

Fitness for Duty Examination

We offer the fitness for duty examination, which helps determine if an employee can return to work in a condition fit for the proper, competent and safe performance of their duties throughout a scheduled shift. The physical and mental ability to perform the assigned tasks, interpersonal behavior and judgment are all assessed factors.

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Examination

The hazardous materials (HAZMAT) examination is a requirement of OSHA for employees who have the potential to be exposed to chemicals and materials that can cause health problems. This examination is to be completed annually to ensure no changes to an employee's health that indicate dangerous exposure. Our board-certified physicians can review your employee's medical and work history, job description and level of exposure to close hazardous materials while also paying close attention to any prior exposure. Additionally, they can provide a physical, EKG and more.

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Examination

We offer the hazardous waste and emergency response (HAZWOPER) examination required for employees who:

  • Have been exposed to hazardous substances or health hazards above the permissible exposure levels (PELS) as per OSHA guidelines
  • Wear a respirator for 30 days or more per year and become sick from possible overexposure
  • Work on a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) team

Hearing Conservation Program

Our offices have a hearing booth and certified equipment for performing hearing tests. Trained medical technicians administer these tests. The booths meet OSHA/PEOSHA standards and can measure hearing loss changes at 5 DB increments with various frequencies (500, 1K, 2K, 3K, 4K, 5K and 6K Hz). Test results are printed and interpreted by the medical provider, which is added to the patient's medical record and can then be compared to past and future tests to determine if a standard threshold shift (STS) has occurred.

Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)

We offer the independent medical evaluation (IME), which consists of utilizing a third-party, independent medical professional to issue an unbiased opinion on the evaluation of an injury.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are available onsite at select locations. Our physical therapists expedite the return-to-work process through aggressive therapy that focuses on alleviating patients' symptoms while educating patients on how they can prevent injuries in the future. We also emphasize that employees are personally accountable for their recovery, future safety and medical improvement.

Position-Specific Physical Examinations

Position-specific physical examinations are offered for positions including but not limited to:

  • Crossing Guards
  • Department of Public Works
  • EMS
  • Firefighters
  • Lifeguards
  • Police Officers

Post-Offer Physical Examination (POPE)

We offer the post-offer physical examination (POPE) to help identify potential concerns after hiring a candidate. These concerns may include the inability to meet the physical and postural demands of the job, such as lifting, pushing, pulling and prolonged standing.

Pre-Employment Physical Examinations

We provide pre-employment physical examinations designed to screen prospective employees for conditions that could potentially interfere with the ability to perform essential job functions safely. Modifications can be made based on the job description and any issues uncovered throughout the process.

The examinations provided include:

  • Medical history examination
  • Comprehensive head-to-toe assessment
  • Snellen vision test
  • Ishihara color vision test, if indicated

Examinations mandated by a regulatory agency will be performed according to the standards of that agency. Examples include:

  • CDL medical examination as promulgated by the Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • Respirator clearance examination as per OSHA/PEOSHA guidelines

Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function tests are performed routinely and may be required for respirator-fit testing medical clearance. Our trained medical technicians can administer the tests while our providers can interpret as they relate to the employee, respiratory exposure and the respirator.

Respiratory Clearance Program

OSHA/PEOSH standards require any employee that may need to wear a respirator at work to fill out a medical questionnaire. One of our providers can review the questionnaire and determine if your employee is clear to use a respirator without restrictions. The provider may request additional medical information, a physical exam, a pulmonary function test, etc., before determining the final disposition of your employee's ability to wear a respirator.

Screening for Tuberculosis

Screening for tuberculosis (TB) can be performed at the pre-placement examination through the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) if required. Patients receive the intradermal injection during the initial exam and are to have the test “read” by a trained reader within 48-72 hours.

An alternative to the TST is QuantiFERON-TB (QFT). QFT is a blood test that requires only one patient visit. QFT is highly specific and sensitive: a positive result strongly predicts infection with M. tuberculosis. If interpreted as positive, a chest X-Ray is requested, and the patient receives a referral to a TB clinic or a personal medical doctor.

Urinalysis

A urine dipstick screening and complete chemical urinalysis is available and performed onsite at our offices. This method is required for the DOT/CDL examinations.

Workers Compensation: Injury Treatment, Initial Visit and Follow-Up Visits

We can provide care, medical evaluation and ongoing treatment to employees who sustain on-the-job injuries or illnesses. Our goal is to safely return your employees to work as soon as possible, which may include modified or temporary alternate duties.

Visits include:

  • A full review of medical history to identify pre-existing medical conditions that may have contributed to the injury or illness
  • Evaluating and treating the injury, illness or wound
  • Recommended status on the ability to return to work
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