Occupational health services for municipal employees.

Most municipalities have departments responsible for fire, policing, public works, parks, sanitation, health, water, administration, and communications. A comprehensive occupational medicine program must address the potential and actual health hazards associated with each of these fields, as well as pre-employment/placement medical evaluations, medical surveillance, wellness programs, work-related injury, case management, return-to-work accommodations, and drug and alcohol testing. While no standard for municipal occupational heath services exists, a comprehensive approach to the variety of work settings that are inherent even in small municipalities is important for the service provider.