Note: UF Health Shands employees should visit the Bridge for more information about UF Health Shands Occupational Health Services

Our employees are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for our patients and visitors, but sometimes they need timely care and health resources themselves. On these occasions the UF Health Shands Occupational Health Services, or OHS, team is here to help.

While most patients won’t encounter an OHS team member, their work ensures that our staff can provide the best service possible.

“It’s very rewarding to help employees get and stay healthy,” said Karyn Wagner, ARNP, OHS director. “I enjoy the variety of work we do and being able to provide compassionate care for our colleagues, who are committed to helping others.”

Collectively, the members of this 12-person team boast more than 260 years of experience at UF Health Shands and pride themselves on being vested in the community. Wagner also credits Trina Girimont, ARNP, COHN-S, the longtime OHS director who recently retired, for building such a strong team.

Occupational illness, injury or exposure

When an employee experiences an illness, injury or exposure — including bloodborne pathogen exposure— while on the job, they should report to OHS immediately to obtain evaluation and necessary care. In the case of bloodborne pathogen exposure during non-business hours, call the Exposure Hotline at 352-265-2727 and a health care provider will triage the exposure, initiate source patient testing and provide instruction for further care.

Tuberculosis surveillance

To protect patients, visitors and staff from TB exposure, each new employee undergoes a blood test to detect the infectious disease. Certain departments require annual TB surveillance for its employees, which is provided by OHS staff.

Immunizations

OHS offers staff a number of immunizations, including influenza, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), varicella (chickenpox) and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella). Certain immunizations —influenza during flu season, varicella and MMR — are required for new UF Health Shands employees to protect our patients, visitors and staff. Employees are encouraged to update their tetanus vaccine with a single dose of Tdap if they haven’t received it as an adult. With the assistance of UF Health Shands Nursing staff during on-site flu vaccination events, OHS staff administered and received proof of more than 12,450 employee vaccinations during the 2015-16 flu season.

Fitness for duty

If an employee is feeling ill and/or may have a condition that makes him or her unfit for duty, an OHS team member will perform a brief medical evaluation to determine his or her ability to work.

 Clearance to return to work after illness or injury

Employees are required to provide a medical clearance note to OHS if they have been out for five or more days and must be evaluated in OHS prior to returning to work. Employees may be required to be screened for clearance from shorter absences if there is a safety or infection control concern. Any employee with work restrictions must present a work status form to OHS indicating his or her limitations, including duration and/or re-evaluation date for assessment prior to his or her return.

Personal health appointments

Did you know UF Health Shands employees can be seen at OHS for episodic care for acute, self-limiting conditions? These include upper respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections, minor wound infections, sore throats and sprains. The OHS team also provides school physicals for employees. Same-day appointments are available and the cost for OHS personal health appointments is $20-$25, which can be paid in cash or via payroll deduction.

Worksite ergonomic evaluations

Worksite evaluations help departments decrease the risk of employees developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Recommendations for work or worksite modifications can provide an overall improvement and reduce injuries for staff. Search ergonomics on the Bridge for information about setting up safe work stations, and email Wagner at
wagnek@shands.ufl.edu to set up an ergonomic assessment.

Location and hours

UF Health Shands Hospital
First Floor, Room 1004
7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday