Occupational Medicine is that branch of preventive medicine dealing with the effects of work on health (occupational illness and injury) and the effects of ill health on the ability to work. The goal of occupational medicine is to recognize, prevent, diagnose and treat occupational illness and injury and to promote health and productivity. Outpatient clinical consultation (by referral) for patients with occupational or environmental health concerns or concerns regarding exposures, health hazards, return to work or fitness to work are welcome. Dr. Koehncke has been the clinic director since August of 2000.

Q1: Why as an employer would I choose to have my employees screened?

There are many potential health hazards in the industry that can lead to illness and injury. Sometimes the effects are clear and noticeable, but often the effects are gradual and subtle, difficult to detect.
Occupational health surveillance can detect illnesses early, before they become significant health issues, and can, therefore, help prevent progression to more serious illnesses.
With early detection, steps can be taken to prevent the situation from getting worse.

Regular health surveillance is usually very well received by employees, and also gives an opportunity to address other more common issues such as blood pressure, diet, and exercise.
A dedicated health surveillance program can go a long way towards helping an employer maintain a healthy and productive workforce.

Q2: Do my employees need a hearing test?

Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety regulations require audiometric testing and counseling at least once every 24 months for workers who are exposed to noise greater than 85dBA Lex or employees who work in areas where noise levels are equal to or greater than 90 dBA.

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable, and an audiometric screening reinforces your hearing conservation program.

Q3: Why would I provide Spirometry testing for my employees?

Spirometry can play an important part in the prevention of respiratory disease through early detection of changes in lung function

Q4: Why provide flu vaccine for my employees?

Every year, influenza results in significant illness and lost time from work. Providing a flu vaccine can help prevent significant lost time from work due to influenza

Q5: Why would I provide a wellness clinic for my employees?

• The wellness clinic focuses on factors that could lead to coronary artery disease
• it would increase the level of awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle
• health screenings can be the initial step in identifying individuals at risk.

Q6: Why would I have my employees blood pressure checked?

• High blood pressure is a silent disease.
• Many people have elevated blood pressure and feel fine.
• Early detection of high blood pressure can prevent many long-term illnesses, including heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.

Q7: I test my employees for qualitative fit testing, why would I want to do quantitative fit testing?

Qualitative fit testing uses a challenge agent like banana oil, irritant smoke, saccharin or bitrex and relies on the worker's sense of smell and therefore is very subjective. On the other hand, quantitative testing measures the particles in the air and the particles in the mask, providing an accurate measurement of fit. The employee performs a series of movements, breathing and talking exercises while the quantitative test is being carried out assuring, that an accurate fit is obtained. Quantitative fit testing eliminates the worker’s interpretation and subjectivity and is a direct measurement of the respirator’s efficiency at filtration.

General Information Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 2Z4 Phone: (306) 966-8286 Fax: (306) 966-8799 Email: cchsa.ccssma@usask.ca

Occupational Medicine Clinic Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 2Z4 Phone: (306) 966-7906 Fax: (306) 966-8799