ohcWorkInjuryIllnessCare

If you are a Vanderbilt University faculty or staff member, and you have an injury or illness caused by your work, the Occupational Health Clinic is available for care. You do not need an appointment to be evaluated for a new work injury. Walk-in services are available.

What should I do if I am injured at work?

Individuals who have a life-threatening injury should be transported to the nearest Emergency Service. Call 1-1111 for response to a medical emergency on the Nashville campus medical center. Call 911 for emergency transport for all other areas of the Nashville campus, as well as off-campus locations.

Nashville 21st Avenue Campus – Non-Emergent Care:

• On weekdays, 7:00 am – 4:30 pm, present to the Occupational Health Clinic at Suite 640, Medical Arts Building (1211 21st Avenue South).
• After-hours, during holidays, or on weekends, contact the On-Call Provider at 615-936-0955.

Regional Hospital, Off-site Clinic, or Remote Location – Non-emergent Care:

• On weekdays, 7:00 am – 4:30 pm, call OHC at 615-936-0955 for consultation. We may have telehealth or remote care options available for you.
• After-hours, during holidays, or on weekends, contact the On-Call Provider at 615-936-0955.

Report Your Injury: 
Report the injury to your supervisor and the Office of Risk and Insurance Management by completing the Tennessee First Report of Injury Form (VU).

Additional Resources:
Risk Management for VU Employees 
VU Workers' Compensation Quick Reference Guide

The Return to Work (RTW) Program allows you to continue working after a job-related illness or injury even when you cannot do all your regular duties. The RTW Program allows you to continue working, earning pay, receiving benefits, and saving your accrued time-off for other needs.

Studies show that people recover quicker and have less disability when they can remain active and in the workplace. If needed, you may choose to take medical leave instead.

Return to Work Process (After Job-Related Illness or Injury):

1. Determine if you will participate in the RTW program or if you will take medical leave.
2. Enroll in the program:
   • If you are seen in the Occupational Health Clinic (OHC), eligible staff will automatically be enrolled.
   • If you are seen somewhere other than the Occupational Health Clinic, be sure to complete a Veritas First Report of Injury and reach out to the Risk Management/Worker's Comp office. This will ensure that OHC is notified that you need to be enrolled in the RTW program.
3. If you choose to take medical leave, apply for FMLA through Human Resources. Opting to take leave could affect your worker's comp benefits. You may want to discuss with Human Resources and Risk Management before you apply.
4. You must submit a written release from your medical provider before you return to full duty.
5. For injuries lasting more than 90 days, you may need a long-term plan. The Return to Work Coordinator will ask Human Resources and the Equal Opportunity and Access Office (EOA) to help you and your supervisor decide the next step.
6. If your supervisor cannot find modified duty for you, please call the Return to Work Coordinator at 615-936-0955. We will make every effort to help your supervisor find suitable work within your department.

Additional Resources:
VU Risk Management

Treatment for Exposure to Non-human Primates

Personnel working with a macaque (a specific species of non-human primate) may be exposed to the simian herpes B virus if they sustain a bite, needle stick, a scratch from the animal or a dirty cage, or a splash with the animal's blood or body fluids.

Exposure kits are located throughout the non-human primate facilities. Be familiar with their locations.

If an exposure occurs:

• Flush the wound with water, then scrub the area for 15 minutes with soap as directed in the exposure kit.
• If it is a splash to the eye, flush the eye with water continually for 15 minutes.  Use an eyewash station, if possible.
• IMMEDIATELY (do not delay!) follow up at the Occupational Health Clinic (OHC). If after-hours, go to the Vanderbilt Adult Emergency Department.
  • If you are going to the Emergency Department, bring an information packet from the exposure kit with you.
• OHC (or the ED) will provide medical evaluation and treatment, including antiviral medication as indicated for the risk level of the exposure.

Additional Resource:
CDC Information on Herpes B Virus

Treatment for Exposure to Q-Fever:

Q fever can be transmitted to humans through the air or by handling infected animals. Employees in the Division of Animal Care and research staff who work with sheep may be exposed to Q-fever.

The illness can begin with mild flu-like symptoms in humans but can lead to pneumonia, hepatitis (liver inflammation), or endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves). These serious complications can be potentially fatal. People with existing valvular heart disease or prosthetic heart valves are at high risk.

If an acute Q-fever infection is suspected:

• The Occupational Health Clinic provides treatment, including antibiotics, if an employee develops an infection.
• A medical history, occupational history, and routine lab work should be performed to make an initial diagnosis.
• Testing of patient serum samples at the onset of the disease and during recovery are used to confirm the diagnosis of Q-fever.

Additional Resource: 
CDC Information on Q-fever

Treatment for Exposure to Animal Allergens:

Animal users who have asthma or allergic conditions may become sensitive to animal allergens with repeated exposure. Up to 20% of allergic animal users may develop occupational asthma, which can limit the ability to work and may lead to permanent disability.

Symptoms of animal allergy can occur right after exposure or after weeks, months, or years of exposure. Symptoms may include hives, red or itchy eyes, nasal congestion, asthma, eczema, or anaphylaxis.

If you develop acute allergic symptoms from exposure to animals at work:

• Report the symptoms to Occupational Health Clinic;
• In case of severe symptoms with difficulty breathing, report to the nearest Emergency Department;
• OHC will provide medical treatment that may include physician-guided use of antihistamines or use of an N-95 respirator.

Additional Resources:
CDC -NIOSH Information on Animal Allergies & Asthma in Animal Handlers

Treatment for Exposure to Mpox:

Mpox is an infection caused by the mpox virus and is similar to other poxviruses. Mpox can cause a rash illness that begins with flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, fatigue) and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that develops on the face, mouth, and other body parts.

To help prevent mpox exposure, the CDC and VUMC Infection Prevention recommends the use of gown, gloves, eye protection through googles or face shield, and N-95 mask or equivalent, when caring for a patient with mpox. Proper PPE is highly protective against transmission of mpox in healthcare settings.

I have been exposed to mpox:

A person is considered exposed to mpox in the following situations:

• If there is direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids;
• If there is contact with respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or through intimate physical contact (such as kissing or sexual activity);
• Pregnant individuals can spread the virus through the placenta;
• If there is contact with objects (such as clothing/linens) that had contact with the infectious rash/body fluids;
• If there is contact with infected animals – via scratches/bites or eating meat from infected animals;
• If there is needlestick exposure to an individual with active mpox infection (in this case the exposure would also be evaluated as a blood/body fluid exposure).

Per the CDC, to date there have not been cases transmitted by blood transfusion, organ transplant, infusion, or transfer of human cells/tissue/tissue products. It is recommended that exposed individuals refrain from donating blood, cells, tissues, breast milk, or semen during their monitoring period.

What happens if a work-related exposure occurs?

1. Infection Prevention will notify Occupational Health Clinic (OHC) of any patients who are diagnosed with mpox where a concern for exposure exists.
2. OHC will identify employees with potential exposure, complete a risk assessment, and determine if the exposed person needs monitoring and/or post-exposure vaccination.
3. If exposed, you will need to complete the Tennessee First Report of Illness form available in VERITAS (VUMC) or Origami (VU). Keep your receipts for any medical treatment that you receive due to this exposure and submit them to Risk Management for possible reimbursement, if deemed work-related.
4. If you are not having symptoms, you may continue to work. Contact Occupational Health Clinic at 615-936-0955 immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
   • Fever
   • Chills
   • New skin rash
   • Swollen lymph nodes
   • Muscle/backache
   • Respiratory symptoms (congestion, cough, sore throat)
   • Headache
   • Excessive exhaustion (beyond baseline)

I have symptoms of mpox:

You should be evaluated by a provider if you have symptoms that could be related to mpox.

Work Exposure:  If you have been exposed to mpox at work and you develop symptoms, please contact Occupational Health at 615-936-0955.

Community or Household Exposure:  If you have been exposed to mpox in the community, contact the TN Department of Health.

If you undergo testing for mpox due to symptoms, you must isolate (and not present to work) until the test results are received.

Helpful resources for mpox:

• TNDOH What to Expect After Exposure
• TNDOH What to Expect After You've Been Tested
• TNDOH What to Expect After Diagnosis