Is every plant expected to have a full-time occupational health nurse on duty?
The guidelines recommend that “each work shift should have access to health care providers” and that “appropriately trained health care providers should be available at all times.” While it would be highly desirable to have a full-time occupational health nurse on duty in every plant, OSHA recognizes that this will not be possible for all employers, particularly small employers. The important consideration is for employees to have access to medical care at appropriate times from health care providers-onsite or off-site-who are familiar with the types of safety and health hazards the employees may encounter in their workplace, including ergonomic hazards. The employer’s health care providers should be familiar with the recommendations in the guidelines on medical management programs. This recommendation applies especially when the employer’s ergonomics program requires an extensive or complex medical management effort. 26. Q: How do I find an occupational health nurse? A: The American A
