What you need to know
Sandia is deeply committed to keeping our employees safe and healthy on the job, and we do so in compliance with federal and local laws.
Occupational Medicine
Through Sandia’s occupational medicine program, we closely monitor employees in work assignments with potential risk of exposure to regulated hazardous substances or potentially harmful work duties.
We currently offer these surveillance programs:
- Accident response group (ARG)
- Beryllium (BRL)
- Biological Safety Laboratory (BSL)
- Crane and hoist (CAH)
- Commercial driver license (CDL)
- Executive exam schedule (EES)
- Frequent international traveler (FIT)
- Hearing conservation program (HCP)
- Human reliability program (HRP)
- Laser safety program (LAS)
- Respirator users (RES)
- Security police officers (SPO)
Sandia provides medical evaluations for employees enrolled in a hazard-based medical monitoring and surveillance program.
We conduct medical evaluations, as follows:
- To support early detection of symptoms related to possible exposure to hazardous substances or health hazards
- If you are injured or exposed to hazardous substances
When you leave the medical surveillance program – for example, when your work assignment changes – we will also provide you a termination medical evaluation.
Sandia will provide you with a medical evaluation if you are enrolled in a qualification-based fitness-for-duty program.
When you leave the program – for example, when your work assignment changes – we will also provide a termination medical evaluation.
Sandia’s bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan meets the requirements of OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard. This protects employees working in jobs where they are at risk of exposure to bloodborne or other potentially infectious materials.
Drug Screenings
All Sandians who hold Q- or L-level security clearances may be randomly selected for a drug screening at any time.
Sandia employees and contractors whose job responsibilities involve special safety circumstances, such as crane and hoist operators and security force personnel, and those involved in a workplace accident must comply with Sandia’s mandatory drug screening policies.
New hires also need to complete a drug screening.
You can review frequently asked questions about drug screening through HR Solutions.
Sandia Drug Screening Clinic (New Mexico)
Building T13, just behind Health & Employee Services Bldg. 831. Security clearance is not required.
7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday
505-284-4700, Option 1
Sandia Drug Screening Clinic (California)
Building 925
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
925-294-2700
Offsite or Remote Drug Screening
Work with Sandia’s New Mexico drug screening clinic to locate an approved Quest Diagnostics facility near you.
Call 505-284-4700, Option 1, for assistance.
On-the-Job Injuries and Returning to Work
If you are injured on the job, Sandia’s Employee Health Services clinic will serve as your initial treating provider, provide assistance with your plan for returning to work, and coordinate with workers’ compensation and related benefits.
Here’s how it works:
- You need to report a work-related injury or illness, regardless of severity, to your manager and to the Employee Health Services clinic within 15 days (one year for employees in California). You may be denied workers’ compensation benefits if you do not report within this window.
- An Employee Health Services provider will initially direct your medical care and provide necessary referrals to outside health care providers. Offsite treatment obtained without preauthorization from Sandia may be at your own expense.
- If you are unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness, you are required to get approval for time off from an Employee Health Services attending physician and medical case manager.
- When you are ready, you are required to return to work through the Sandia Medical Clinic. A medical case manager will help you with the details. Your case manager will evaluate your situation and coordinate the required paperwork between you, your doctor, and Sandia. Call 505-284-4700, Option 1, for assistance.
Benefits under workers’ compensation
If you have a work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Sandia’s Human Resources professionals will work with you to follow all applicable state workers’ compensation laws.
Get more details on the process and workers’ compensation benefits through HR Solutions.
Job Accommodation
Sandia makes reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities whose medical restrictions or serious medical conditions affect their ability to perform a job’s essential functions.
We make accommodations in compliance with federal and local laws, and you will work with a Job Accommodation Specialist and your manager to make the appropriate accommodations for your situation.
Energy Employee Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA)
The EEOICPA requires implementation of a program to provide compensation to employees, contractors, and subcontractors involved in nuclear weapons production and testing programs for the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessor agencies.
Employees, or their eligible survivors, who have suffered certain illnesses caused by exposure to workplace contaminants may be eligible to receive a lump-sum payment of $150,000 and payment of the medical expenses of the covered illness from the date of the claim.
The Energy Employees Compensation Resource Center in Española, New Mexico, can assist with claim processing and necessary documentation.
Get more information about the program through the Department of Labor website.
Former Workers Medical Screening Program (FWP)
The Former Workers Medical Screening Program (FWP) provides medical screenings for former employees to identify health conditions that may have resulted from working at DOE facilities.
Workers eligible for this program include all former DOE federal and contractor employees from all DOE sites.
If needed, the FWP Resource Center in Española, New Mexico, can assist you.
Get more information about the program through the Department of Energy website.
Ergonomic Evaluations
Stress on your body can be caused by awkward positioning, application of excessive force, and repeated movements.
This stress, over a period of time, can result in permanent and disabling injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, back sprains, and back disc degeneration.
Sandia’s ergonomics evaluation program can help to reduce your risk for these issues. The program applies ergonomic principles to evaluate your office workstation and non-office environments and identify potential risks and hazards.
If you are experiencing a high level of pain or discomfort associated with your computer workstation, schedule an appointment with a Sandia Employee Health Services clinic physician.
Also, complete an online assessment, and if needed, request an ergonomics worksite evaluation for your office.
Get more information about Sandia’s ergonomics programs.
Considering a telecommuting work agreement?
For employees in California, completing an ergonomic evaluation is a step you will need to complete as you set up your agreement.
Contacts and Resources
HR Solutions
505-284-4700
Energy Employees Compensation Resource Center
866-272-3622
Former Workers Program Resource Center
877-500-8615
Ergonomic Evaluations
ergozone.sandia.gov
Complete your health assessment
In less than 30 minutes you can receive an insightful report on your health status and potential health risks. Knowing your status is the first step in improving your health!
Quick Tip
Recovering from an injury?
Sandia’s Employee Health Services clinic offers a full range of physical therapy services to help you get moving and back on your feet.