When the accumulated costs of employee illness, absenteeism, attrition-rate and work-place hazards are calculated, most industrialists and governments have concluded that putting in better occupational health and safety precautions is the only solution. Insurance service providers have also been putting pressure on these agencies to reduce their liabilities and pay-outs. As a result, many industrial units are now employing specialized occupational health professionals. This ensures that a permanent and consistent service is available on hand to tackle issues as they arise.  

Some of these specialized services include:

Medical services: These are required in case of illness or inability to work in the prevailing conditions. Often, workers may not be aware of which specialist or physician they should consult. In such situations, it is good to have a designated occupational health specialist who can recommend what tests have to be taken and can co-ordinate with other medical personnel, arrange for the right consultation, get the test reports, evaluate the prescribed treatments, ensure that medical supplies are provided and advise the management on the corrective steps to be taken in the workplace to avoid recurrence of such problems. In case of severe illness, negotiating terms of prolonged absence, resettlement in a different type of job and also educating other workers is part of the medical services offered.

Legal services: Compliance with existing labor laws, worker compensation laws, insurance, safety laws, sanitary conditions, etc come under the purview of the legal services sector of occupational health and safety. Competent legal professionals can ensure that any litigation is handled, disability benefits and compensation is disbursed correctly and that the management is kept updated on new developments in the field, such as Noise Laws etc.

Education and Information: Creating awareness about occupational health and safety in the workplace is the domain of such services. Holding frequent safety drills, awareness workshops, health camps, ensuring that adequate exercise, diet and fitness regimens are introduced, ergonomic efficiency of workplace furniture, etc are the benefits of having a specialized occupational health professional on board.

Additional benefits to workers include smooth transition into retirement, identifying the areas and departments where health and safety can become an issue, keep the management posted about industry norms in this area, identifying individuals who are frequently absent due to ill-health or psychological problems, collecting detailed data on the kinds of occupations prevalent in each industry and their potential health and safety issues.