Top 5 Qualities to Look for in an Occupational Health Vendor

What to look for in an occupational health provider.

Attention EH&S professionals! Discover how to choose the right occupational health partner to safeguard your company’s most important asset – employees.

Author: Joseph Christian

October 9, 2023

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) managers have a crucial mission – to keep employees healthy, productive, and well-cared for. But choosing the right partner to achieve these goals is no small task. It’s a decision that can significantly impact your organization’s productivity and the well-being of employees.

Your company can’t afford to deal with poor injury management, limited care options, or vendors who don’t understand your needs. Read on to discover the top five things you should consider when selecting an occupational health vendor.

The Baseline: Ensuring Comprehensive Care for Employees

An effective occupational health program should be more than utilizing a local clinic or having an EMT on call at a location. It is the cornerstone of employee well-being and requires a partner that ensures comprehensive protection and care for your employees.

When vetting a vendor, check if they can meet two baseline requirements.

Does the vendor:

  1. Have medical professionals who are 100% dedicated to occupational health and understand its unique challenges.

  2. Offer a comprehensive system of care covering everything from health screenings to injury case management at every location where they are needed.

After verifying these two requirements, it is time to dig deeper and evaluate potential vendors based on the five points below.

#1: Trust - The Vendor Has Your Company's Best Interests in Mind

When choosing an occupational health vendor, trust is paramount. You need a partner who genuinely cares about the well-being of your employees and the success of your organization. Here’s what trust entails:

Partnership and Understanding:

A trustworthy vendor should work as a partner, not just as a service provider. They should take the time to understand your specific EH&S processes, workplace culture, and employee needs. This means they won’t impose a one-size-fits-all solution but will tailor their services to align with your unique requirements.

Transparency:

Trustworthy partners are open and transparent about their services and costs. They won’t push unnecessary care or services that primarily benefit their bottom line. Instead, they’ll work with you to develop a plan that genuinely meets your needs, without hidden fees or agendas.

#2: Experience and Expertise - The Vendor Can Offer Consistent Results

Enterprise-level occupational health programs offer numerous challenges, from scaling operations to dealing with unique local work conditions and regulations. To ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes, your chosen vendor should possess extensive experience and expertise:

Physician Oversight:

Look for a vendor that is doctor-owned and operated. This ensures a higher level of medical expertise and a deeper understanding of the healthcare needs specific to your industry.

Appropriate Treatment:

An experienced vendor will prioritize appropriate treatment and care. They’ll focus on getting employees back to health safely and swiftly while avoiding unnecessary and costly medical procedures or restrictions.

Regulatory Knowledge:

Occupational health is subject to numerous regulations, including OSHA standards and recordkeeping requirements. Your vendor should have a deep understanding of these regulations to help your organization remain compliant.

You need an occupational health vendor that works wtih you.

#3: Communication & Customization - The Vendor is a Partner That Works With You

Effective communication and customization are essential in an occupational health vendor. Here are some things to look for:

Accessibility:

The vendor should be easy to reach and communicate with, especially during emergencies or when questions arise. This accessibility ensures you can quickly get the support and information you need.

Customization:

One size does not fit all in occupational health. Your vendor should be willing and able to customize their services to match your specific needs and circumstances. This could involve tailoring services, adjusting billing structures, or accommodating unique workplace challenges.

Integration:

A responsive vendor integrates seamlessly with your team. They collaborate with your existing EH&S professionals, HR departments, and managers to ensure a unified approach to employee health and safety.

#4: Full Suite of Services - A Vendor That Has the Resources to Meet Any Need, Anywhere

Comprehensive service offerings are crucial when choosing an occupational health vendor. Here are some details to look for:

All Care Modalities:

Your ideal vendor should offer all the various care modalities for occupational healthcare, including on-site care, virtual care options for remote employees, directorships to guide your program, mobile care units for flexibility, and the ability to combine services as needed.

One-Stop Shop:

Choose a vendor that has a single solution that includes healthcare services, employee screening, and workforce training. This approach helps streamline your occupational health program while saving time and resources.

#5: Tools That Empower You - A Vendor That Stays Current with Trends and Innovations

In a rapidly evolving field like occupational health, innovation, and technology are key. A vendor should offer the following tools and knowledge:

Leadership in Trends:

A forward-thinking vendor stays at the forefront of occupational health trends, such as telemedicine, athletic trainers, wearable technology, and prevention programs. Their ability to incorporate these innovations into your programs can lead to better outcomes and a healthier workforce.

Knowledge Sharing:

Your vendor should be a valuable source of knowledge and training, helping you and your team stay informed about the latest developments in occupational health. This empowers you to make informed decisions and continuously improve your workplace safety efforts.

Software and Databases:

Look for a vendor with software and databases that help your company better manage your occupational health program. Tools that offer customized reporting and automation simplify the management of injury care and compliance, making your job more efficient and effective.

Choosing the Right Vendor is Important

By thoroughly evaluating potential vendors based on these expanded criteria, you can make an informed choice that positively impacts your employees’ health and your company’s success. Trust, experience, communication, services, and innovation should all be present in your chosen occupational health partner to ensure the best results for your organization.

CAREonsite is Here to Help

Since 1977, CAREonsite has partnered with companies to ensure employees get appropriate care with services tailored to the needs of your business. Our experience has taught us that care is more than just numbers; it’s about doing what’s right for the businesses and employees we serve.

Please contact us to discuss how CAREonsite can help better care for your employees.