Hurt or Sick on the Job?
April 19, 2024
Bad Day at Work? Hurt or Sick on the Job?
Given the number of hours we spend at work, it’s no surprise so many people become ill or injured on the job and require medical care. In fact, in 2022 more than a half million people experienced a musculoskeletal workplace injury and a similar number came down with a respiratory illness (cough, etc.). In honor of Occupational Health Professionals’ Month, we’re covering common on-the-job injuries and illnesses – and how Texas MedClinic can help people in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Austin, and Southeast Texas.
Every job has potential for injuries.
The hazards of work vary significantly based on career and job description. Some organizations with many employees in physical or safety-sensitive positions may even have a health clinic on the job site. People with “desk jobs” aren’t in the clear, though — there are plenty of ways they can be injured at work, too. Some of the most common work-related injuries and illnesses for which people seek medical help include:
- Back pain.
- Cuts.
- Sprains or strains.
- Repetitive motion injuries.
- “Jammed” joints and dislocations.
- Sudden fevers.
- Stomach pain or nausea.
- Headaches.
- Rashes.
- Insect bites or stings.
- Exposure to harmful substances or contagious diseases.
- Burns.
- Impact, crushing or pinching injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Motor vehicle injuries.
Of course, injuries and health crises that are life-threatening should always be handled by calling 911 or by going to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. But for the many instances that are not life-threatening yet need attention, there’s urgent care.
(Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/osh.nr0.htm)
Why people head to urgent care for workplace injuries, illness.
Over the past decade, urgent care clinics have become a go-to resource for people who are injured or become ill on the job for many reasons. For example:
- Just walk right in! At Texas MedClinic, you don’t need to wait for an appointment to get medical care for on-the-job injuries.
- We’re here when you need us. Most Texas MedClinic locations are open seven days a week for extended hours, so you’ll be able to access occupational health care whether you work 9 to 5 or a non- traditional schedule.
- We “get” injuries and illnesses. Texas MedClinic’s clinicians are professional physicians and advanced practice providers whose experience in urgent care means they’re adept at quickly assessing your medical needs and getting you the care you need.
- Fixed…fast. Urgent care clinics specialize in injuries that need immediate attention but aren’t life-threatening, so you won’t be competing for care with emergencies at the hospital or routine care patients at your primary care provider’s office. We aim to get you back to work as quickly and safely as possible.
- We do that, too. On-site PCR testing for common illnesses? Check. Digital X-rays? Check. Pregnancy testing, EKG, vaccines, sutures and sports physicals? Check, check, check… you get the idea! With so many services under one roof, Texas MedClinic can often provide all the care you need in one convenient location.
What occupational health offers.
As easy as it is to get treatment at an urgent care clinic, occupational medicine is about more than just injuries. That’s why Texas MedClinic also offers a wide range of services focused on preventing workplace injuries and keeping people healthy and safe at work.
In many locations in San Antonio, New Braufels, Austin and across Southeast Texas, we have formal occupational health programs in which we partner with employers to make regular occupational health services as simple for employees to access as possible. These programs offer seamless and convenient access to services like:
- Pulmonary function and respirator mask fit testing.
- Hearing screening with audiograms.
- Pre-employment and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.
- Employment physicals, including DOT exams.
- Functional capacity exams.
- Vision exams.
- Drug screens and breath alcohol tests.
- Flu shots and vaccines.
We can even offer some of these services on the work site to ensure everyone at the company can easily access care without extended absences.
Whether or not your employer has a formal arrangement with us, you can walk in to any Texas MedClinic Urgent Care clinic for preventive services or injury care and we will provide care that is personal. Find the closest clinic to your workplace here: TexasMedClinic.com
In charge of your employees’ health and safety? Ask us about our occupational health programs, many of which can be customized. Visit texasmedclinic.com/occupational-services/.
Reviewed by: Frank Garber, APRN, FNP-C
If you are in a situation that might be life-threatening, go straight to the emergency room or call 911. Situations like this include shortness of breath or breathing problems; seizures or ‘blackouts’; sudden vision problems; confusion or dizziness; heavy bleeding; possible breaks that appear to be deformed or blue, or that include bleeding; serious burns; the inability to speak or move; head and neck injuries.
