Occupational Medicine
The experienced occupational medicine staff of WNY Medical, PC understand the needs of employers and are well-versed on the complex health and safety regulations related to the Department of Transportation (DOT), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and New York State’s Workers’ Compensation requirements. We are also devoted to the well-being of the employees of our clients, and we therefore apply our focus on efficient, compassionate, and courteous service to this branch of our practice as well.
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Buffalo DOT Physicals
WNY Medical, PC follows visual acuity requirements as stipulated by the Department of transportation (DOT) and provides screening for:
- Visual acuity (both distant and near)
- Color and depth perception
- Vertical and lateral phorias (muscle balance)
- Peripheral vision in a horizontal field
Breathalyzer (Alcohol) testing
Breathalyzer (Alcohol) Testing
The following alcohol testing services are provided by WNY Medical, PC:
DOT and Non-DOT Alcohol Screening:
- Alcohol Screening by a Certified Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT)
- Alcohol Confirmation Screening by a Certified BAT with Calibration Training
In order for a company to meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) requirement, 49 CFR Part 40 of the Federal Guidelines, the company must be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol testing program. WNY Medical, PC offers consortium management services for both small and large companies and for DOT and non-DOT companies. WNY Medical, PC can help companies create and maintain a drug and alcohol program that complies with the law and is effective in reducing workplace drug and alcohol abuse.
WNY Medical, PC works with Designated Employer Representatives (DER's) to enroll and maintain participation in a random drug and alcohol testing program.
Medical Review Officers are responsible for interpreting drug-testing results to protect the interests of employers and employees. They are equipped with the skills needed to conduct drug tests and interpret their results. They are also responsible for reviewing the results of each test and interviewing the employee after the test.
An MRO knows all the protocols of the different agencies that regulate programs regarding alcohol and drug testing. This makes them qualified to perform accurate tests that are governed by the law.
Medical Review Officers can improve the reliability and quality of the entire drug-testing process. They can also protect the rights of individuals while serving the interests of employers at the same time.
WNY Medical, PC offers two types of respirator fitness testing:
- Qualitative Fit Testing:
- Respirator condition evaluation
- Properly adjust and fit respirator
- Negative pressure seal check of respirator
- Administer Bitrex or nebulized saccharine (taste aversion agents), Isomyl acetate (banana oil) while using OSHA Fit Test Protocol 1910.134(f)
- Quantitative Fit Testing:
- Respirator condition evaluation
- Properly adjust and fit respirator
- Sampling and measurement of air particles in facepiece using latest equipment (PortaCount)
- OSHA Fit Test Protocol 1910.134(f)
The results of the pulmonary function test determine a candidate's ability to safely wear a respirator on the job. Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is carried out to comply with OSHA's respiratory protection (CFR 1910.134) and respiratory surveillance (CFR 1910.1043) and other standards.
PFTs measure several values, two of which are essential:
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Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is the total volume of air a person can blow out of their lungs.
- Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) is the volume of air a person can blow out in one second.
A third measurement, Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF 25%-75%), is a measure of the amount of air a person can blow out during the center portion of an exhalation. It is a more sensitive measure of early airway disease than is the FEV1. A patient's PFT results are compared to calculated normal values corresponding to his/her age, height, and gender.
WNY Medical, PC offers the following immunizations:
- Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus-Diphtheria
- M-M-R Vaccine
- Varicella Vaccine
- Other vaccines available when requested in advance.
Baseline Audiogram: A Baseline Audiogram is the reference audiogram against which future audiograms are compared. Employers must provide baseline audiograms within six months of an employee's first exposure to an environment with noise levels at or above an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 85 dB. An exception is allowed when the employer uses a mobile test van for audiograms. In these instances, baseline audiograms must be completed within 1 year after an employee's first exposure to workplace noise at or above a TWA of 85 dB.
Annual Audiograms: For maximum protection and to test specifically for the ability to hear warning signals, an audiogram should be performed at:
- Pre-employment
- One year afterward for comparison
- Every two years thereafter
- Prior to assignment in a noisy area
- At re-assignment out of a noisy area
- At the termination of employment
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can help predict if a heart condition is developing. It is used as a screening tool to determine if a candidate is able to perform physical activity.
WNY Medical, PC evaluates an employee's ability to return to work after an extended injury or illness. With expert medical care, rehabilitation program referrals, and modified-duty programs, the expert care providers of WNY Medical, PC can minimize time off the job and reduce the chances of re-injury or permanent disability.