Michael Wirsching, MD, MPH
Occupational Medicine
Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, all too common. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, someone is injured on the job every seven seconds in the United States. Sadly, workplace injuries can be life altering, with some resulting in lifelong consequences.
There can also be a financial impact to getting injured on the job. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports that, on average, workers earn 15% less over the next 10 years following an injury.
Fortunately, Michael Wirsching, MD, MPH, a board-certified occupational medicine physician, provides services at South Texas Health System® Clinics that can help bridge the gap between employers and healthcare providers.
Here he answers some frequently asked questions about how to help prevent workplace injuries.
Q. Who is most at risk for workplace injuries?
Those in the service, transportation/material moving, healthcare, production, installation and repair occupations are especially at risk — in fact, they accounted for nearly 40% of all private industry workplace injuries and illnesses involving days away from work in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Q. How do most workplace injuries occur?
Of the over 1 million nonfatal work injuries resulting in days away from work in 2020, 18% were related to slips, trips and falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Q. What can I do to prevent a workplace injury?
While there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility that accidents and injuries can happen at work, you can take steps to make yourself safer in the workplace.
The main components of a safer work environment are knowing the hazards, creating a safe area and following safety protocols. Being aware of your job-specific hazards can help you to avoid them. You should also be aware of your surroundings and eliminate hazards. Additional safety measures include following safety protocols communicated to you by your supervisor, using proper lifting practices, wearing Personal Protective Equipment when needed, and being involved in safety planning.
Q. What services do you provide?
In the event of workplace injuries, I approach patient care with a comprehensive injury assessment and follow up with the appropriate treatments. Additionally, I offer a multitude of pre-employment services, including DOT physicals, pre-employment physicals and return-to-work physicals. Additional services include drug and alcohol testing, EKGs, firefighter surveillance physicals, immunizations, pulmonary function testing, vision and audiometry testing, and more.
Dr. Wirsching
Occupational Medicine
South Texas Health System Clinics
4302 S. Sugar Rd. | Suite 206
Edinburg, TX 78539
To schedule an appointment, book online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-682-6146.
Dr. Wirsching received his medical degree from San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Puerto Rico, and completed his occupational medicine residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler, Texas.
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