Since last year, many businesses and conglomerates have been focusing on their employees’ health and welfare. This wasn’t a surprise when the public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic had caused a lot of concern when it came to workplace hygiene and safety. If an employee got infected by a contagious disease, much of the business would be affected, and productivity will eventually be hindered if nothing is done.
For the last 10 to 12 months, many businesses have been revamping much of their business model and strategy to serve their target market better and ensure business continuity, even during uncertain times. One of the main aspects of a business that most employers will need to address is the health and the welfare of employees. Although most companies will try to migrate towards a remote work set-up, some offices will still need a minimal workforce that can man essential workstations in the area.
To help ensure that everyone in your workplace is fit to work and that all safety protocols are being followed, a medical practitioner should be present during these 8-hour shifts. Having professional medical supervision; in the workplace is an excellent way of reducing the likelihood of transmission while ensuring that productivity remains stable and constant.
Of course, these nurses and doctors will also need to have their own workstation so that they can effectively administer medication and treat employees that might have health complications. However, investing in your own work clinic can usually take up a good amount of time, money, and resources.
Should your workplace have its own medical clinic? Is it worth investing in? We’ll be taking a look at several factors.
Questions to Ask When Setting Up a Work Clinic
Well, this depends on a variety of critical factors. Although, there are really no “guidelines” on what’s right and wrong. Some of the significant factors can be boiled down to the questions:
How Large Is Your Organization?
First and foremost, you’ll need to consider how large your business organization is. Clinics are usually managed by vendors, with some needing a minimum employee count of around 300 employees currently working in a single site.
Having the right volume of employees means that there are just enough patients that can make the clinic practical for use. In some situations, vendors will require around an employee count of 700 to 1,000 since most companies will have that count.
For those that are still starting up their small-to-medium business enterprise, most experts would suggest renting a pre-fabricated modular building since this can cut down on initial capital costs.
Who Will Use Your Clinic?
It’s important to remember that the nature of your industry will also determine the types of tools and equipment that will be needed in the medical clinic. Does your sector involve manufacturing chemicals and materials? Then on-site nurses will need to stock up on treatments that can counter chemical burns. Is the industry more focused on construction? Then medical equipment that’s focused on physical injuries is more important.
The potential hazards and dangers present in the workplace will play a major role in what’s needed. Still, clinics and medical stations should always have the necessary equipment for all types of injuries and ailments. You might want to invest in a state-of-the-art medical air compressor for your facility since this can come in handy when providing oxygen to patients that need emergency medical care.
Usually, these will be deciding factors on setting up a working clinic. Although, it’s still essential to have an on-site doctor since this will help during emergencies. Having the right tools and equipment can help give the right amount of healthcare needed for employees. Thus, a clinic can guarantee that medical attention given to those in dire need isn’t rushed.
Operating a Work Clinic During the Pandemic
Much of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. Ever since the first few months of the pandemic, many working clinics have been used as a treatment facility for those that are “sick.” In most cases, medical practitioners working in these clinics won’t need to see more than three patients in a single day, which can help mitigate any likelihood of exposure to any virulent agent. Still, employees and on-site medical professionals should always wear personal protective equipment at all times.
Right before you set up your own clinic, it’s important to take these factors into consideration. Still, a lot of precautions should be exercised, especially during these uncertain times. The bottom line? Having a working clinic can help mitigate the risk of transmission of any contagious disease while also keeping the workforce healthy and safe.
