Case Study: Ventura Public Works Dpt.

Conducted by: Fred Drennan, Lead Consultant, Team Safety, Inc.
Ron Edwards, MS, Biomechanics/Fitness Consultant
and Dr. David Richey, Supervisor Leadership Training, Team Safety, Inc.


















History

The City of Ventura Public Works Department, Tree Trimmers had extremely high rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and lost time injuries, primarily to the shoulders and backs.  Their average age was 47. These injuries were costly and caused low performance.  Team Safety, Inc.’s Fred Drennan presented the Back Synergy™ solution to the Human Resource Manager and was given then go ahead to turnaround one of their “their worst performers.”

Assessment

Assesments were conducted through:

Manager and supervisor interviews
Photodocumentation of worker tasks
Biomechanics analysis

Intervention

The Team Safety, Inc. Back SynergyTM program was implemented at the City of Ventura as a pilot musculoskeletal injury prevention project.  The project included four key elements: Back Synergy Flexibility & Strength, new, ADA-Compliant Job Descriptions, Biomechanics and Ergonomics evaluation and training, and Supervisor Leadership training.

Program Goals:

Daily practice of proper lifting technique during the conditioning routine
Identify ergonomic risk factors and present alternative ways to perform tasks
Measurable results and consistent, positive feedback motivated behavior change
Team building exercises to create a positive environment.
Improve worker flexibility and strength to have 65% in the Good to Excellent categories on our Flexibility protocol
Reduce the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal injuries (MSDs) as well as all types of injuries
Increase employee awareness of how to prevent MSDs
Motivate individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles

CTD Risk Factor Reduction

Experts agree that a major risk factor for back injury and other soft tissue injuries is lack of flexibility and strength.  The greater the flexibility and strength, the lower the risk factors for injury.  The Back Synergy flexibility and strength program introduces exercises based on the worker environment and tasks performed.

Results

The Parks Department Tree Trimmers reduced their risk factors for MSDs by 75%; achieved a 50% reduction in MSDs; and achieved a 78% reduction in overall injuries as a result of the Back Synergy™ implementation.

RECORDABLE INJURIES BASED ON OSHA 200 LOGS

Evaluation Criteria

Back Synergy flexibility measurements focus on three key areas: low back and hamstrings, mid body rotation, and range of motion in the shoulder girdle.  Individuals are measured and their scores are entered into our proprietary software, which compares their scores to others in their age and gender categories, within standard norms.  Decline in Percentage of Employees at Risk for CTDS (scoring average to poor flexibility)

   


Employee Satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is a key element in retaining valuable human capital. When employees perceive a benefit, they are more likely to participate in and derive benefits from a program.

Evaluation Criteria

Team Safety, Inc. conducts Employee Satisfaction surveys at six months and again at the end of a program year. Employees are asked to score the following categories on a 1 to 5 scale, one being the lowest, three being neutral and four and five being positive. Only scores of four or five are reflected in the following results.

78% of employees said they were more aware how to prevent back injuries since participating in the program.

75% of the employees felt the program would help prevent back injuries.

88% of the employees said they felt better since participating in the program.

62% of the employees said the program contributes to team building.

75% of the employees felt the program was still effective after one year of participation.

50% of the employees said they have made lifestyles changes since participating in the program.