Occupational Health and Wellness Programs

WHAT

TVA is committed to protecting the well being of its employees and others who may be affected by its operations. As a result, it is TVA policy that physical and mental health, adequate for the safe and efficient performance of assigned duties is a condition of TVA employment.

WHO

The following individuals are subject to evaluation to determine their health capacity for safely performing their job duties:

All individuals who have accepted offers of TVA employment or reemployment.Individuals whose job duties require baseline medical examination to comply with Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Transportation (DOT), or other regulation or industry standards, or who will perform safety sensitive work, or as otherwise required by organizational policy. All employees who have changes in the nature of their duties and responsibilities which may involve increased health demands.All employees returning to work after a lost-time, service connected injury or illness.Employees who have been away from the workplace for more than 30 days because of health conditions or who have been away from the workplace because of treatment in a hospital or rehabilitative facility.Employees who have been away from the workplace due to serious illness or injury which could interfere with their ability to safely perform job duties or which could effect special medical clearance.Employees who have changes in their health condition which could affect safe performance of job duties or which may temporarily or indefinitely alter an employee's job duties or assignments.
Employees who are on medical constraints are subject to periodic medical evaluations to review and update medical disposition for duty.
Employees experiencing difficulties which may be the result of psychological or behavioral conditions, or the use of drugs or alcohol.

Employees and their families who are experiencing difficulties may choose to participate in an assessment and referral service and where appropriate a short-term counseling service.

WHY

TVA recognizes that the physical and mental well-being of its employees supports an effective, productive, and safe workforce.

HOW

TVA has established, through its Occupational Health department, Policies and Practices for assessing medical, psychological, or behavioral conditions and assisting employees in finding resources to deal with these conditions and other personal problems that may affect their work.

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND TREATMENTS

TVA medical examiners and consulting clinicians define the content of all TVA medical examinations based upon regulatory requirements, industry standard practice, federal laws, and standard medical practice for the assigned job duties. While personal physicians or other health provider opinions may be considered, the TVA medical examiner is responsible for the final determination of "Medical Disposition For Duty."TVA utilizes a combination of on-site medical offices, off-site contracted medical providers, and mobile health clinic for delivery of services. Such services may include but are not limited to: pre-placement physicals, special medical approvals (e.g., Crane Operators, TVA Police, Respirator, etc.), return-to-work exams, evaluation of medical constraints, medical monitoring and surveillance (e.g., Asbestos, Lead, Bloodborne Pathogens, etc.).Supervisors and/or human resource representatives should prepare a form TVA 1444, Request for Medical Evaluation, to request medical exams and other clinical services.For more information on types of medical examinations and contacts for medical facilities - see the Occupational Health Web Site.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

TVA's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is administered by Horizon Behavioral Services (HBS). This program, which is open to TVA employees and their families, provides an assessment and referral service to help employees overcome personal problems that may affect their job performance. These problems may involve family or marital situations, finances, legal concerns and alcohol and/or drug use - see the EAP Web Site.

FITNESS FOR DUTY EVALUATIONS

Fitness for duty evaluations are provided for psychological, behavioral and/or substance abuse concerns which may be effecting an employee's ability to work safely on the job. A supervisor who suspects that a non-nuclear employee may be experiencing some difficulties can refer the employee to the Psychology and Fitness for Duty staff in Shared Resources. A supervisor who suspects that a nuclear employee may be experiencing some difficulties can refer the employee to a nuclear medical office.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING

Alcohol and drug testing is provided per applicable regulatory and TVA guidelines for TVA's nuclear and non-nuclear organizations. These tests are provided for preemployment, random, for-cause/reasonable suspicion, post accident follow-up, and return-to-work purposes. For more information on testing on non-Nuclear employees, see the Employee Relations Manual. For more information on testing of Nuclear employees, contact Nuclear Security.Alcohol and Drug Testing may be requested as part of a Fitness For Duty evaluation.

HEALTH RECORDS

TVA maintains a health records system which includes clinical medical information pertaining to an individual's employment, official visit or contractual work with TVA. The health records system also includes Employee Assistance Program, OWCP, and Psychological/Fitness for Duty records.Confidentiality of the various categories of information within the health records system is required by law, TVA policy, and professional ethics.For further information regarding the medical records system see the Occupational Health Web Site.

ROLES

Employees

Contact the EAP provider to discuss personal issues and receive assistance.When requested by management, employees will be required to cooperate in job related health examinations.
Notify their supervisor of any changes in their medical condition or medication which might impact job duties.

Supervisors/Managers

Schedule employees for any necessary medical exams on a timely basis.Refer employees who return-to-work after an extended absence for a return-to-work evaluation.Refer employees who have changes in their medical condition for an evaluation to establish or review medical constraints.Identify to the Occupational Health staff or TVA medical examiner, any situations where employees may be at risk for exposure or have been exposed to hazardous materials.Identify employees, such as asbestos workers, who require mandated medical surveillance.
Refer employees for evaluation when there are concerns that psychological, behavioral, substance abuse conditions may be adversely affecting an employees ability to work safely.

Occupational Health Staff

Establishes standards, requirements, and procedures for occupational medical and related health evaluations provided by TVA.Develops and maintains standards for TVA medical examinations and publishes them in the TVA Medical Examiner's Guide.Provides for information systems that contain necessary medical administrative data to support the operating business units.Maintains a system of records for health results and information obtained from required exams and assessments.
Assists TVA business units to ensure employees may safely perform job duties.

Psychology and Fitness For Duty Staff

Coordinates requests for Psychology services.Develops processes and procedures for Alcohol and Drug Testing.
Coordinates Alcohol and Drug Testing with external vendors.

Shared Resources

Schedule individuals who have accepted offers of employment or reemployment for preplacement medical examinations.

RESOURCES

Occupational Health Staff
Psychology and Fitness For Duty Staff
Human Resource Representatives
EAP services of Horizon Behavioral Services (HBS)1-888-482-2733
On-site health station or medical facility
Contracted Medical Providers
Corporate Nuclear Security

This practice is based on various Board actions; the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; Executive Order 12196, Occupational Safety and Health Programs for Federal Employees; TVA CODE, General Releases, Section VIII Health Services; and TVA Medical Examiner's Guide.

Last Revised 1/2003