St. Cloud Hospital Occupational Health Services (OHS) is a valuable resource for employers across Central Minnesota. OHS offers a variety of programs and services to prevent illness, maintain health and provide early intervention and rehabilitation when injuries or health problems occur.

Objectives of Occupational Health Services

• To aid in the placement of employees in a work environment that is compatible with their physical and emotional status.
• To maintain and improve the health status of the employee through health education and early detection.
• To provide direct care, counseling, referral and/or rehabilitation in cases of illness, injury or other health needs.
• To protect employees and patients/clients against health hazards in the workplace.
• To reduce absenteeism and disruption in lifestyle by providing accessible health assessment promptly after the onset of illness or injury.
• To establish a record of condition of the individual as required by OSHA.
• To provide professional consultation and collaboration to meet ongoing health care needs

Occupational Health Programs and Services

Wellness and Prevention/Health Fairs
An employer’s commitment to employees’ health is one of the best long-term investments in the health of any business. Our wellness and prevention programs and services include:

• immunizations
• quit smoking program
• weight management
• injury prevention
• brown bag lunch programs
• health fair – “Ask a Nurse” program
• back wellness/ergonomics education
• blood-borne pathogen standards.

Pre-Employment Assessment/Examination
A timely health assessment following a conditional job offer ensures a good match between an employee and a new job. This assessment evaluates the new employee's suitability for the specific job requirements, which reduces the possibility of on-the-job injuries and helps maintain the productivity of the workforce. The examination may include back and hand assessment. This service helps the company comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Workers’ Compensation Injury Management
Few programs translate into greater bottom-line health care savings than a workers’ compensation injury management program. Our primary objective is to help the employee return to work healthy and productive with a minimum amount of time lost.

Drug Testing
Illegal drug use by employees diminishes workplace productivity, directly and indirectly. This service meets the requirements of both state and federal laws. To learn about drug testing, click here.

Hearing Conservation
Compliance with the OSHA Hearing Conservation Standard is not only the law, but also assists in the overall health of company employees.

Respiratory Protection
OSHA’s new revision of the respiratory protection standard will apply to an estimated 1.3 million employers. Five million employees who presently use or need respiratory protection will be covered. OHS also offers fit testing, assessment of mandatory questionnaire and spirometry.

Occupational Health Education/Consultation
The concern for escalating health care cost is shared by health care providers and the business community. Our services offer businesses assistance with policy and procedure development, program implementation and evaluation.

Travel Clinic
St. Cloud Hospital’s Travel Clinic, run by Occupational Health Services, offers pre-travel immunizations, select prescriptions and prevention tips. Our information is based on weekly updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are listed as a travel clinic with the CDC, World Health Organization and Minnesota Department of Health. We belong to the International Society of Travel Medicine and are listed as one of the GeoSentinel sites.

Helpful Resources
Travel Health

Department of Transportation Exams
OHS offers medical assessments for qualifying drivers.

Most of the services listed can be offered at your location.

CentraCare Health System Occupational Health Services Available At:
St. Cloud Hospital
Long Prairie Hospital
Melrose Hospital