Occupational Health
The WorkPlace
Poughkeepsie, Beacon & Middletown, NY
845-431-8170
Occupational Health Services for the Hudson Valley, New York and Beyond…
The WorkPlace meets the occupational health needs of businesses and organizations throughout the Hudson Valley and is staffed by trained and skilled clinicians who help employers maintain regulatory compliance with OSHA, PESH, DOT, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Services offered by The WorkPlace can be provided onsite or in one of three offices, and customized to each organization’s specific needs.
Please call or email us for a proposal.
Services include the following:
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The WorkPlace
(845) 431-8170
JPolchlopek@sfhhc.org
1. Medical Arts Building
243 North Road, Suite 103
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Get Directions
2. Saint Francis Hospital Beacon
11 Hastings Drive
Beacon, NY 12508
Get Directions
3. 682 East Main Street, Suite 2A
Middletown, NY 10940
Get Directions
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FLU VACCINES CAN BE A “SHOT IN THE ARM” FOR PRODUCTIVITY
 On average, unscheduled absences cost US employers over $600 for every employee annually, and according to trends, these expenses increase every year. Influenza is one of the leading causes of absenteeism from work.
Studies show that by offering flu vaccines to employees, companies can dramatically reduce the number of sick days taken by workers. Lowering absenteeism also prevents job loads from increasing and wearing your healthy workers out.
The benefits of a flu shot campaign, include:
- Save an estimated $150 in medical care and sick leave per vaccinated employee annually,
- Build lasting relationships between employees and employers,
- Increase productivity, workplace morale,
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that US businesses could save over $12 billion annually through proactive flu shot campaigns and other wellness services.
Here are forms you may use to start a Flu Vaccination Program for your Hudson Valley employees:
5 Simple Steps for Organizing Your Flu Vaccination ProgramM (Instructions)
Response/Agreement Form (Please complete and FAX this form to The WorkPlace ASAP to expedite your organization’s vaccine scheduling)
Flu Vaccine Consent Form (The nurse who comes to your site will require each vaccine recipient to complete this form)
Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) (Each employee must read this CDC statement before receiving the vaccination)
Poster – 3 Top Reasons to get vaccinated
Brochures to aid you in polling employees’ interest:
Employer Pay Brochure (Use if your company wants to pay for the cost of the vaccine)
Employee Pay Brochure (Use if your company wants to be reimbursed by your employees for all or part of the cost of the vaccine. We will bill your organization for the total combined cost)
Please contact Judy Polchlopek at 845-431-8170 or at JPolchlopek@sfhhc.org if you have questions.
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Bloodborne Pathogens On-Call Emergency Post Exposure Consultation & Follow-Up Services
 Possible exposure to Bloodborne contaminants can be a frightening experience for the exposed volunteer or employee and the supervisor who is assigned to help him/her through the experience. OSHA requires that when any of your employees have potential for exposure to another’s blood or body fluids, you must have a plan for exposure
management. In our discussions with our customers, a feeling of frustration and helplessness has surfaced about these experiences especially when they happen after hours, or on weekends. Because none of us knows where or when the incident will occur or where you or the source individual will seek medical care, The WorkPlace maintains an On-Call system that will minimize those feelings of frustration and helplessness.
The On-Call Post Exposure Medical Availability Program provides the following services:
The WorkPlace Medical Director becomes your company's OSHA Medical Designee. (Your organization may also choose to make our Medical Director your designated Contact person with area emergency facilities.)
Your company is given a toll free number to use for accessing help during an exposure incident, and to notify us that the exposure has occurred. This phone-call begins a process of controlled and consistent medical care for the employee and regulatory compliance for the employer.
Each incident will be triaged through a clinician who is knowledgeable and experienced with exposure and treatment protocols.
The on-call clinician will evaluate the exposure during the phone call and give advice as to the most appropriate facility to go to for treatment.
Your company supervisor or responsible party will be reminded to perform steps that OSHA requires, such as completion of an incident report and getting source individual information after an exposure incident.
Our clinician will communicate with the emergency room provider and advocate on the behalf of the exposed individual, ensuring consistency in treatment which is appropriate to each exposure. Your employee’s rights to the medical history of the source individual will be carefully considered utilizing current NYS laws.
Follow-up appointments will be recommended as needed, and scheduled at The WorkPlace.
Results of the exposed individual and the source individual's testing, if consented to and performed, will be shared with the exposed employee.
The OSHA Healthcare Professional's Written Opinion will be provided to your organization within 15 days of treatment completion, per regulations.
Having someone to call who knows the medical system within an emergency room, and who can advocate for immediate treatment, stat testing and prompt results offers you and your employee/volunteer a peace of mind heretofore unavailable.
Organizations may access the On-Call 24 hour service with a one-year program or with multiple year programs which offer substantial discounts.
A program which is available to your company from 8:00 - 4:00 Monday through Friday is also available.
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DOT/Motor Carrier Federal & State Physical Exams
 The WorkPlace at Saint Francis provides work organizations with physical examinations that meet all Department of Transportation requirements in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 391.41-391.49), and Rules and Regulations set forth in the Federal Register/Vol. 54, No 230 and/or that meet all requirements of Department of Motor Vehicle regulations for passenger transport according to NYS Article 19A.
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Drug and Alcohol Testing
 The WorkPlace provides work organizations with a complete Drug and Alcohol Testing Program that complies with all Federal DOT regulations and simplifies compliance for both large and small organizations.
The WorkPlace Drug and Alcohol Program complies with Federal Regulations for Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated testing and mirrors the DOT program for Non DOT tests because it has proven to be extremely effective and legally defensible.
The WorkPlace Drug and Alcohol Program includes all of the following elements:
- Random drug tests at a DHHS/SAMHSA certified lab
- Chain of custody specimen collection at your site or our offices
- Medical Review Officer Services
- Sample Policies and Procedures
- Policy Development Assistance
- Supervisor Training with manual and documentation of training for reasonable suspicion identification
- Employee Education written materials (and training)
- Random selection for testing by a scientifically valid method
- 50% for drugs and 10% for alcohol for DOT organizations (or a percentage that meets the needs or budget of Non DOT organizations)
- Individual reports for drug and alcohol testing
- Referral of positives to Substance Abuse Professionals, per your company policy
- Annual summary report in DOT mandated format
- Collaboration with your Employee Assistance Program(EAP) for scheduling follow-up testing) per your company policy
The WorkPlace provides Urine Drug and Breath Alcohol Testing Programs that comply with regulations as stated in the FEDERAL REGISTER 49 CFR parts 382, 391, 199, 219, and procedures for testing as stated in 49 CFR part 40 which include testing for:
| Pre-employment |
Reasonable Suspicion |
| Random |
Post Accident |
| Return-to-Duty |
Follow-up |
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On-Call Hotline for Post-Accident & Reasonable Suspicion Substance Testing
Under DOT regulations, companies governed by its regulations must demonstrate the availability of a testing for post accident and reasonable suspicion during all hours of every day that your employees work. This can prove to be a difficult task when an organization employs 2nd and 3rd shift employees, especially considering the recommendation that alcohol testing be performed within a 2 hour window.
For this reason, The WorkPlace can maintain a pre-paid, “round-the-clock” crisis line for drug and alcohol testing for your company’s policy or regulatory compliance needs.
With The WorkPlace On-Call Drug & Alcohol Testing Program, your organization receives Emergency Hotline Wallet Cards for your company supervisors so they can quickly access the information they need to arrange prompt testing. When a reasonable suspicion or post-accident drug or alcohol testing is required on an after-hours basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, your company supervisor simply calls the Emergency Crisis Hotline and our on-call staff will arrange the testing at a mutually accessible site.
The WorkPlace uses a certified laboratory for drug testing, as required by the D.O.T. Our collection staff and Breath Alcohol Testing Technicians are trained and certified and employ strict “Chain of Custody” procedures.
The WorkPlace has our own Medical Review Officer to ensure that the review and interpretation of results is consistent with regulations and will be forensically and scientifically supportable.
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Medical Review Officer Services
 An essential part of your drug testing program is the final review of results. A positive laboratory test result does not always automatically identify an employee or job applicant as an illegal drug user. The Medical Review Officer (MRO) fulfills an essential function by reviewing the results with the donor while protecting the confidential nature of the donor's medical information. This allows the individual to present a medical explanation for a positive drug test prior to result reporting. The MRO is responsible for ensuring that the review and interpretation of results is consistent with the regulations and will be forensically and scientifically supportable.
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Employment Physical Exams
Pre-placement physical examination serve as an important form of “business insurance” giving a snap-shot of the potential employee’s ability to perform the essential tasks of the job as well as providing baseline test results. Annual exams serve to closely monitor your employees’ health. Physical exams can be affordably tailored according to job descriptions.
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Employee Assistance Program
It is estimated that 25% of the workforce is experiencing personal problems at any given time. The productivity of these individuals is reduced by 50%. The WorkPlace EAP is a valuable resource for employers which helps supervisors acknowledge, document, and refer employees with performance problems and assists employees and their immediate family members with personal problems that affect productivity and quality of life. Staffed by Certified Social Worker’s trained in occupational counseling, our Employee Assistance Program can improve employee morale, reduce accidents, reduce turnover, assist management with crisis situations, aid in policy development and much more. Our Employee Assistance Program can provide Substance Abuse Professionals as a foundation and follow-through for your substance testing program.
The WorkPlace Employee Assistance Program offers your organization:
- Coverage for Employees and their immediate family members
- Supervisory Training to help managers identify and refer troubled employees
- 24 Hour availability through our crisis hotline
- Employee Orientation & Training
- Management Training
- Management & Employee Newsletters
- Work-Life seminars on many topics for employees and their immediate family
The WorkPlace Employee Assistance Program offers your employees assistance with:
- Family Relationship Issues
- Substance Dependency Issues
- Critical Incident Debriefing
- Stress Management, personal & job related
- Emotional Issues
- Financial Issues
- Eldercare Issues, and much more.
A comprehensive range of services can be customized to each organization’s specific needs.
EAP offices are conveniently located throughout the Hudson Valley.
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Firefighter Health Services
The WorkPlace is pleased to offer a comprehensive program to meet the occupational health needs of fire organizations.
Services are customized to your fire department’s job descriptions.
The job demands of firefighters are considered “very heavy” according to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.
By implementing The WorkPlace Firefighter Physical Exam Program, organizations can minimize their liabilities, protect fire personnel, and manage risk more effectively.
To assist your organization in making the best use of our range of services, The WorkPlace staff is always happy to consult with you regarding the standards for physical examinations for firefighters under the:
- OSHA/PESH, Emergency Response
- Standard 1910.120
- Fire Brigade Standard 1910.156
- Standard for Respirator Wearers 1910.134
- NFPA 1582 guidelines
The WorkPlace Firefighter Physical Exams can meet or exceed the requirements for physical examinations for firefighters according to the above mandates.
The WorkPlace offers the following “Service Menu” which allows your department/district to select the services required, keeping your needs and budget in mind.
- Firefighter Physicals
- Job Demands Assessments
- Respirator Clearance Evaluations
- Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing
- Drug and Alcohol Testing
- Policy Consultation
- Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Program
- Training
- Hepatitis B Immunizations
- On-Call Post-Exposure Management
- OSHA Airborne Pathogens Program
- Training
- TB Testing and follow-up
- Post-Exposure Management
- Fit for Duty Examinations
- Health Screening such as Blood Cholesterol, Prostate Tests, etc.
- Firefighter Assistance Program (EAP/FAP)
- Immunizations including Flu vaccines
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Respirator Services
Using a respirator can place a physiological burden on employees that varies with the type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee.
OSHA requires employers to:
- Train employees on respirator use and care;
- Provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace;
- Fit Test each employee with every respirator type that employee wears for work
 Click here for a more detailed checklist.
The WorkPlace Annual Respirator Training includes:
- Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, and maintenance can make the respirator ineffective.
- What the limitations and capabilities of the selected respirator are.
- How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions.
- How to inspect, put on and remove, and check the seals of the respirator.
- What the respirator maintenance and storage procedures are.
- How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use of the respirator.
- The general requirements of the Respiratory Protection standard.
 The WorkPlace Medical Screening Evaluations will be performed in accordance with OSHA/PESH requirements using one of the following methods, as determined by your organization:
1. The WorkPlace/OSHA Medical Questionnaire Review
The OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire is used to obtain medical information. A medical examination must be provided and will be scheduled if positive answers are given on the questionnaire, or if the health care professional determines it's necessity.
2. The WorkPlace Medical Screening Examination *
*(This exam is recommended for improved management of occupational risks related with respirator use)
The medical screening examinations will meet the OSHA/PESH requirements for physical examinations for respirator wearers according to the mandates of the OSHA Standard for Respiratory Protection CFR 1910.134 and The American Standard for Respirator Wearers.
Fit Testing
Before an employee uses any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style and size of respirator that will be used. Using a TSI PortaCount, the technician will determine the effectiveness of a respirator's seal by excluding ambient atmosphere. The test subject will be instructed to don the respirator, and to perform various movements as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.134, including:
- Normal breathing while standing
- Turning head side to side
- Reading
- A minimum fit factor of 100 for half-mask and 1000 for full
- mask must be obtained for proper fit certification.
- (Qualitative fit testing procedures are also available)
Fit tests are preceded by a brief instructional session on proper use of the respirator as mandated in the standard. Upon successful completion of the respiratory fit test, each employee will be issued a clearance card specifying type of respirator, size of respirator fitted, and any restriction that may apply.
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Directions to The WorkPlace Poughkeepsie
243 North Road, Suite 103, Poughkeepsie
From North of Poughkeepsie:
Take Route 9 South. Approaching Poughkeepsie, look for Marist College on the right. Continue South on Route 9 to the traffic light near the Marist College South entrance. Make a left at this traffic light, following signs for Washington Street and Saint Francis Hospital. Turn left at the next intersection. The North Road Medical Arts Building is the 3 story red-brick building immediately on the right. The WorkPlace is on the 1st Floor, Suite 103.
From South of Poughkeepsie:
Take Route 9 North. Approximately one mile past the Mid Hudson Bridge, you will see Marist College on the left and All Spot Fitness on the right. Make a right turn at the first light after the bridge, following the sign for Washington Street and Saint Francis Hospital. Turn left at the next intersection. The North Road Medical Arts Building is the 3 story red-brick building immediately on the right. The WorkPlace is on the 1st Floor, Suite 103.
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Direction to The WorkPlace Beacon
11 Hastings Drive, Beacon
From Poughkeepsie and Points North:
Take Route 9 South to Route 52 Fishkill (also called Main Street). This is approximately twelve miles south of the Mid-Hudson Bridge. Make a right turn onto Route 52 (westbound). Proceed approximately 3-3/4 miles, past “Dunkin Donuts” and “Freedom Ford then make a right turn onto Delavan Ave. which is directly across from a Hyundai Dealership. (There is a blue & white sign for the hospital on the corner of Delavan Ave & Hastings Drive.) Turn right onto Hastings Drive and you will see the hospital 0.2 miles on the right. Follow the road into the hospital, and go around to the back of the building, where you will see the entrance for The WorkPlace.
From Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties:
Take Route 84 Eastbound, across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. Get off Route 84 at Route 9D (towards Beacon), which is the first exit after the toll booths. Turn right onto Route 9D South. Proceed south on Route 9D to traffic light at Verplanck Ave. (Southern Dutchess Country Club will be on your right). Turn left onto Verplanck Ave. and proceed to Fishkill Ave (third traffic light). Turn left onto Fishkill Avenue and proceed past Beacon Memorial Park to left onto Delavan Avenue, which is directly across from a Hyundai Dealership. Turn left onto Delavan Avenue (blue & white sign for hospital on corner), then turn right onto Hastings Drive and you’ll see the hospital building 0.2 miles, on your right. Follow the road into hospital, and go around to the back of the building, where you will see the entrance for The WorkPlace.
From Points South of Beacon:
Take Route 9D North into Beacon. Turn right onto Teller Avenue (also called Business Route 52). Proceed on Teller Avenue, which will turn into Fishkill Avenue. Follow Fishkill Avenue to Delavan Avenue. You’ll pass Beacon High School and Memorial Park on your left. Turn left onto Delavan Avenue (blue & white sign for hospital on corner). Then turn right onto Hastings Drive. Saint Francis Hospital will be 0.2 miles on the right. Follow road into hospital, and go around to the back of the building, where you will see the entrance for The WorkPlace.
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Directions to The WorkPlace Middletown
682 East Main Street, Suite 2A, Middletown/Wallkill
From Newburgh & Points East:
Route 84 West to Exit 4E onto Route 17 East (“Quickway”) .08 miles to Exit 122. At end of exit ramp, take a left onto East Main Street and travel approximately 1/2 mile to The WorkPlace office. Sign is on door.
From Port Jervis & Points West:
Route 84 East to Exit 4E onto Route 17 East (“Quickway”) .08 miles to Exit 122. At end of exit ramp, take a left onto East Main Street and travel approximately 1/2 mile to The WorkPlace office. Sign is on door.
From Monticello:
Route 17 East (“Quickway”) 08 miles to Exit 122. At end of exit ramp, take a left onto East Main Street and travel approximately 1/2 mile to The WorkPlace office. Sign is on door.
From Monroe:
Route 17 West to Exit 122. Make a right at light and a right at next light. Cross over Route 17 to light at bottom of hill, (you are now on East Main Street). Travel approximately 1/2 mile to The WorkPlace office. Sign is on door.
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