Houston Occupational Health Services

In Houston, occupational health services help to ensure the health and safety of employees and help protect employers, helping them stay compliant with health and safety laws. Houston occupational health services may include employment physicals, TB testing, vision and hearing screening, vaccination and antibody testing policies, respiratory health exams, and TB testing. Workplace occupational health laws vary by state, so it’s crucial for employers to become familiar with city and state laws.

Houston, TX workplace health relies on guidelines set by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, OSHA laws and guidelines do not preempt workplace occupational health laws in the city of Houston or the state.

Houston, TX does not have its own occupational health program but uses federal health and safety guidelines in private sector workplaces. However, the state of Texas does have some workplace health and safety laws for public workplace employers that are more strict than federal laws.

Health Street offers a variety of Houston occupational health services. Simply click the button below to register online. If you would like to schedule your appointment via phone or have any questions, please reach us at (281) 612-6482.

Houston Occupational Health Laws, Acts, and Legislation

Texas Health and Safety Code Section 81.042 requires some employers to report communicable diseases to the Texas Department of State Health Services or other local health authorities. Under Houston, TX occupational health laws, workers required to report certain communicable diseases include registered nurses, directors of public or private childcare facilities, administrators of home health agencies, administrators of higher education, managers of restaurants or food handling industries, managers of public or private camps, administrators of correctional institutions, healthcare professionals, and emergency medical service workers.

Houston occupational health laws require hospitals and nursing homes to adopt policies to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers while moving, lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients. Details are found in Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 4, Chapter 256.

Title 6, Chapter 502 of the Texas Health and Safety Code requires employers to provide information to employees regarding hazardous chemicals in the workplace that the employees may face exposure to.

The Department of State Health Services in Texas adopted a plan to implement the Health and Safety Code, §81.303 to minimize the exposure to employees of bloodborne pathogens. Policies include worker training and education requirements, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among employees, and measures to increase vaccination rates. Antibody testing is acceptable to some employers to prove immunity to diseases, such as hepatitis B, to avoid unnecessary vaccinations. This policy ensures the safety of employees who are at high-risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including healthcare workers, and each employer in Houston, TX must develop a policy to protect their workers.

Labor Code Title 2, Section 52 protects the rights of employees. All employees are entitled to time off and may not work seven consecutive days without one 24-hour period off for rest or worship. This law does not apply to part-time employees who do not exceed 30 hours of work in one calendar week.

The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be used in place of legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Houston Antibody Testing

COVID-19 Antibody Test $149

Since the rapid spread of COVID-19 in 2020, antibody testing has become increasingly common in Houston. The COVID-19 Antibody Test is performed by a simple blood draw to check for antibodies that protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Hepatitis A Antibody Test $179

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that can be spread via food, water, or close contact with individuals who are infected. Although there is not currently a cure for hepatitis A, vaccination can prevent infection. The Hepatitis A Antibody Test can identify whether a person has immunity against this virus.

Hepatitis B Antibody Test $199

The hepatitis B virus can be spread via blood or semen, and can lead to serious and even chronic liver infections. The Hepatitis B Antibody Test can check a person’s blood for immunity against this virus.

Hepatitis C Antibody Test $219

Most often spread through blood or contaminated needles, hepatitis C can also result in adverse effects on the liver. Left untreated, a hepatitis C infection can create serious health issues. Use this antibody test to check for immunity against hepatitis C.

Triple Hepatitis Package $549

The below option is a package deal that checks for immunity against hepatitis A, B, and C all from one simple blood draw. These viruses can all attack the liver and lead to inflammation or more serious complications.

MMR Titer $249

The MMR Titer is used to determine if an individual has immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Varicella Titer $189

The varicella-zoster virus, or Chickenpox, is known to be a highly contagious virus that causes a red, itchy rash on the skin. Since infection or vaccination often happens at a young age, individuals may be unsure of their immunity. This antibody test can be used to determine immunity against the varicella virus.

Triple Antibody Package $595

This is a bundle of antibody tests that covers a wide range of antibodies, including varicella (Chickenpox), measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B.

Total Antibody Package $895

As our most comprehensive package for antibody testing, this option is a great choice for people looking for proof of immunity or for more information about their vaccination status. The Total Antibody Package includes antibody testing for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, varicella (Chickenpox), measles, mumps, and rubella.

Citations

“OSHA – Workplace Safety and Health Requirements.” Texas Workforce Commission, https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/efte/osha.html

“Texas OSHA: What you need to know.” BLR, https://www.blr.com/workplace-safety/safety-administration/osha–in-texas

“Texas Health and Safety Code – HEALTH & SAFETY § 81.042. Persons Required to Report.” Texas Constitution and Statutes, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.81.htm#81.042

“Texas Health and Safety Code Title 6, Chapter 502.” Texas Constitution and Statutes, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.502.htm

“Immunization Requirements.” City of Houston Fire Department, http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/employment/ImmunizationRequirements.pdf

“Title 25, Part 1, Rule §96.202 Bloodborne Pathogen Control – Applicability.” Texas Regulations, https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=P&p_rloc=184680&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=3&p_tac=&ti=25&pt=1&ch=96&rl=201

“Title 25, Part 1, Rule §96.202 Bloodborne Pathogen Control – Exposure Control Plan.” Texas Regulations, https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=25&pt=1&ch=96&rl=202

“State Immunization Laws for Healthcare Workers and Patients – TX.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www2a.cdc.gov/vaccines/statevaccsApp/Administration.asp?statetmp=TX#256

“Title 2, Subtitle B, Chapter 52. Miscellaneous Restrictions.” Texas Statutes, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LA/htm/LA.52.htm

“Title 4, Subtitle B, Chapter 256. Safe Patient and Movement Practices.” Texas Statutes, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.256.htm

“Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 81. Communicable Diseases.” Texas Constitution and Statutes, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.81.htm

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