Adena Blog

What is Occupational Health — and why smart businesses invest in it

Sep 16, 2025


Two workers, in safety gear, working in a factory.

Occupational Health plays a vital role in keeping our communities healthy and our businesses thriving. At Adena Health, Jeffrey Hill, MD, has dedicated nearly three decades to advancing this mission.

In this blog, Dr. Hill shares his expertise on how businesses can benefit from investing in Occupational Health services and how Adena Health can help keep employees healthy, safe, and productive.

The connection between work and well-being

When you think about health care, you might picture your family doctor or a hospital. But for many working adults, care starts on the job. That’s where Occupational Health services come in — from on-site services and screenings to our team of expert providers — Adena Health partners with dozens of employers across the region to promote health and wellness within the workplace.  

Dr. Hill, Medical Director of Occupational Health, has spent his entire career in this field. He’s seen how a strong occupational medicine program helps workers recover safely while reducing costs, downtime, and risks for employers.

“Most people don’t realize how much their job can affect their overall health,” he says. “Sometimes even primary care doctors don’t think to look at whether a work activity is causing their symptoms.”

What is Occupational Health and why does it matter for businesses?

Occupational Health is a specialized area of medicine focused on the health, safety, and well-being of employees in the workplace. The purpose is to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, support employees in returning to work after injury, and help employers create healthier, safer work environments.

Dr. Hill puts it simply: “The goal is to get employees back to work in a rapid, yet safe fashion.”

Services that support health, safety, and productivity

Occupational Health services available at Adena Health include:

  • Workplace injury care and follow-up

  • Pre-employment physicals and Department of Transportation (DOT) exams

  • Drug and alcohol testing for employers (pre-employment, random, post-accident, or for-cause)

  • Ergonomic assessments to prevent strain and injury

  • On-site services and safety consultations at partner worksites

  • Other services

Whether helping an employee recover from a back injury or advising a company on safer work setups, the goal is the same: supporting employee well-being while protecting business operations.

Why employers invest in Occupational Health

Companies that invest in Occupational Health often see:

  • Fewer workplace injuries and improved employee safety

  • Lower lost-time costs and reduced workers’ compensation claims

  • Faster return-to-work outcomes that minimize disruptions

  • Improved employee morale and retention

“It’s not just about treating injuries,” Dr. Hill explains. “It’s about helping employers reduce costs and keep their teams productive.”

Supporting businesses across the region

Adena Health partners with companies of all sizes across its nine-county service area. With multiple clinics, worksite services, and a team experienced in workforce health and safety, the program meets the needs of diverse industries — from manufacturing to schools and government.

“We meet employers where they are,” says Dr. Hill. “Sometimes that means clinic care, and sometimes it means bringing services directly to their worksite.”

A practical partnership

The reward is in the long-term impact on both businesses and employees. For Dr. Hill, working directly with local employers is especially meaningful. From offering insight on ergonomics and demonstrating the impact it has on worker safety to helping control costs by providing precise and timely care associated with work-related injuries, Adena is helping businesses, communities, and employees thrive.

Looking for Occupational Health services in south central and southern Ohio?
Visit Adena.org/OccupationalHealth to connect with our team and explore workplace safety and employee care solutions.



Meet our expert: Jeffrey C. Hill, MD

Dr. Jeffrey C. Hill is the Medical Director of Occupational Health at Adena Health. He has dedicated his entire medical career to occupational medicine, partnering with businesses to keep employees safe, healthy, and productive. Outside of work, he enjoys scuba diving, snowboarding, and caring for rescue animals.