Promoting Workplace Health and Safety with Dr. Ballard

As an occupational medicine physician, my role is to evaluate, diagnose, and manage work-related injuries and illnesses while promoting a safe and healthy workplace. I address a wide range of health concerns, including musculoskeletal injuries, repetitive strain injuries, chemical exposures, respiratory conditions, and hearing loss. I also assess functional capacity, provide impairment ratings, and offer guidance on return-to-work planning. I collaborate with employers and employees to implement workplace accommodations that facilitate recovery and prevent reinjury.

Question:

Please explain what preventive health and safety in the workplace involves, and how you help guide employers and employees in implementing these practices?

Answer:

Preventive health and safety in the workplace involves identifying and mitigating occupational hazards to reduce the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses. This may include workplace ergonomic assessments, exposure monitoring, health screenings/assessments etc. I guide employers in developing policies that comply with occupational health regulations and educate employees on best practices for injury prevention. By promoting safety training and early intervention programs, I help create a work environment that supports employee well-being and productivity.

Question:

How do you assess whether an employee is ready to return to work after an injury, and what factors do you consider when recommending any work restrictions or accommodations?

Answer:

When assessing an employee’s readiness to return to work after an injury, I consider medical findings, functional capabilities, job demands, and the risk of reinjury. I review objective clinical data, including diagnostic tests and functional assessments, while also factoring in subjective symptoms and treatment progress. If work restrictions or accommodations are needed, I ensure they align with the employee’s physical limitations while keeping in mind their essential job functions.

I utilize the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) guidelines, which are evidence-based best practices for occupational health care and disability management. My goal is to facilitate a safe and timely return to work that supports both the employee’s recovery and the employer’s operational needs.

Dr. Brian Ballard is a non-operative orthopedic and occupational medicine physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. Dr. Ballard received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Want to ask one of our physicians a question? Now is your chance! If you are a legal or claims professional, you can ask a claims-related question informally by clicking here.

A Previous "Ask the Doctor" Response
In our previous "Ask the Doctor" blog, Dr. Brown answers questions from a claims adjuster about pain management treatments, including nerve blocks, ablations, and spinal cord stimulators.