Environmental Health & Safety

Biography

Biography: Edward Bernacki

Abstract

Background: Onsite clinics provide immediate onsite post-injury care as well as continuous assessment of injured employees to assure early return to work and appropriateness of medical care. They also provide various health wellness services (non-occupational, vaccination, physical examinations, etc.) to maintain the overall health status of employees and increase the productivity.

Objective: Assess the injury rates for a 9-year pre- and 9 year post-clinic implementation period.

Method: 46 onsite clinics were included in the analysis. Injury rates were calculated by determining the total number of work-related injuries per population. These rates were compared prior to and after clinic opening. 

Results: At the time of clinic opening, the average injury rate was 27.4/100 employees. At year one post-clinic opening, the injury rate increased slightly to 27.6. This was due to an incrase in the reporting of more minor injuries. In subsequent years, the injury rate per 100 employees was 27.4, 26.9, 24.8 and 20.3 at year 2,3, and 4, respectively. At year 5 post clinic opening, the injury rate decrased to 14.3/100 employees. Subsequent to year 5, the injury rates averaged 13/100 employees per year.

Conclusion: Overall injury rates decrease approximately 50% after onsite clinic established. The most marked decline occurs after 4 years of clinic establishment.