How to Protect Your Health and Safety in the Workplace
April 28th marks World Health and Safety in the Workplace Day. Naturally, Covid-19 intensifies health and safety concerns for many of us, particularly those of us working in sectors such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, any industry where working from home is not an option.
Covid-19 aside, illness and accidents can occur just as easily working from home, in an office, or a factory. If diagnosed with a medical condition, or if you have an accident or you are injured, the steps you take following your initial diagnosis may have a major impact on your recovery and ability to work. In the event of illness or injury, get a medical second opinion to confirm that your diagnosis is correct and that all possible treatment options are considered.
Studies show:
Covid-19 aside, illness and accidents can occur just as easily working from home, in an office, or a factory. If diagnosed with a medical condition, or if you have an accident or you are injured, the steps you take following your initial diagnosis may have a major impact on your recovery and ability to work. In the event of illness or injury, get a medical second opinion to confirm that your diagnosis is correct and that all possible treatment options are considered.
Studies show:
Are you saying I shouldn’t trust my doctor?
A medical second opinion is not about second-guessing your doctor. The opposite is true. Most doctors agree that a second opinion adds value and demonstrates good medical practice. A second opinion considers all possible treatment plans based on the latest clinical evidence.Recent real-life story
One of our members, a man in his 30s experiences excruciating back pain extending to his left leg, as well as numbness in his right heel. Diagnosed with a herniated disc and stenosis in the lumbar spine (narrowing of the spine in the lower back), his treating team recommends back surgery to alleviate the pain and numbness. Given the surgical risk and estimated 12-month recovery time (possibly a further 6 months if he experiences any surgical side effects), he could potentially be out of work for up to 18 months.Concerned about undergoing surgery and the prolonged recovery time, he reaches out to MediGuide, our medical second opinion partners, to find out about his treatment options. He speaks to a case nurse who conducts a clinical intake over the phone, signs a medical consent form, and MediGuide does the rest.
Orthopedic specialists receive the medical data MediGuide sends to them on the member’s behalf. They review the case. While agreeing with the diagnosis, they recommend a change in the treatment plan, from surgery to no surgery, and continued physical therapy with targeted exercises to strengthen his core and lower back. Our member is relieved. Six months later, he reports a major reduction in pain and numbness with only 1 month away from work.
What should I do next?
If already diagnosed with a medical condition, whether the result of injury or illness, get in touch with MediGuide today. Our medical second opinion service is available FREE as part of your insurance plan. All it takes is a phone call to get started. One of MediGuide’s case nurses will guide you through the process.For more information contact us.
The annual day, World Health and Safety in the Workplace, serves to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.