Explanation
In 1984, the City responded to concerns raised by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding potential exposures to employees at the City’s trash burning power plant. The City began testing employees at the Columbus Department of Health. In particular, the Occupational Safety and Health Clinic provided medical surveillance examinations, pre-placement examinations, immunizations, health and fitness assessments, clearance for respirator wear, assessment of workers’ fitness for duty, consultation, hearing conservation training, and audiometric testing.
In 2006, Columbus Public Health restructured its focus from internal safety assessments to monitoring community health status, public health threats, and preventing/controlling disease. The City then shifted the operations of employee occupational safety and health medical services from Columbus Public Health to the Department of Human Resources. This was done in an effort to provide focused and coordinated occupational safety and health medical services in accordance with the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program (PERRP), OSHA, and the State Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC).
Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Clinic provides surveillance exams and appropriate follow up to at risk City employees, identifies occupational related disease or disability, assists in rehabilitation activities, determines fitness and suitability for assigned work, and promotes and maintains PERRP/OSHA compliance. The Clinic also promotes employee health, wellness, and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease/injury, providing assistance in injury care activities and rehabilitation activities, and providing educational and training programs promoting employee wellness and safe work practices.
This ordinance authorizes and directs the Human Resources Director to enter into contract with Mount Carmel Health System...
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