History

Food, residential, and facilities maintenance workers at a University of California , Santa Barbara complex had workers comp claims of over a million dollars. Employees were subject to long periods of standing, stooping, bending, light and heavy lifting.  The majority of the injuries were Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

Assessment

Managers, supervisors, and individual workers were interviewed and given baseline flexibility tests.  While many workers were involved in some kind of exercise on a regular basis, the majority were not.  About 40% of the 240 employees scored in the Good to Excellent zone on our baseline testing.  The other 60% were below average to poor, compared to others of their same age and gender.  While these numbers are better than most organizations we had worked with, the injury rates were still high.  The majority of the injuries were coming from a small number of the population, primarily in the residential (dormatory duties) and grounds (facility maintenance, gardening, etc.).

Intervention

A comprehensive flexibility and strength program was implemented and continued for one year, following the Back Synergy™ model.  240 employees went through the employee orientation and baseline testing. Worksites were photographed and used in the training to illustrate the hazards and risk factors, and provide alternate biomechanics and ergonomic methods to prevent injury.  Workers were organized in teams and trained at their respective worksites.

The year long program included 18 site visits by Team Safety, Inc. fitness consultants.  They implemented four phases of flexibility training, testing and feedback, and provided biomechanics training at every phase.  Flexibility Sticks were introduced in Phase III, and fitness cords in Phase IV. and Cords.  Teams received positive recognition for participation and their results were written up in the Univeristy newsletter.

Results

The organization reduced its workers comp costs by 75% after one year in the program.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

Keep experienced workers healthy and productive
Improves employee satisfaction
Increases teamwork
Increases employee ownership of health and safety systems
Increases safety and health awareness
Provides performance measurements
Employees have fun at work.

If you have questions about team-based safety and health programs, or need help implementing your own integrated safety and health systems, contact us.