By Eric Durak and John Seaman
Over the past decade, workers’ compensation costs have escalated for many public and private business entities in California, including the University of California (UC) system. In response, UC Santa Barbara has developed an innovative Injury Reduction Program (IRP) designed to reduce workers’ compensation claims and promote wellness and safe work practices in its Facilities Department.
The wellness component of the IRP features 15 minutes of stretching and exercise twice a week in specific work areas. Stretching and exercise are combined with other elements including relaxation programming, smoking cessation, first aid, contract chair massage therapy, the use of fitness balls as substitutes for office chairs, and ergonomic evaluations and adjustments in the field, as needed.
Measurable results include improved management of employees’ perceived pain, enhanced productivity and an overall positive attitude adjustment – the kind of culture change that is necessary for the continued success of the IRP.
In one measure of success, since staff started a voluntary weight loss challenge program last year, 45 participants have shed a combined total of more than 400 pounds. Participants weigh each other weekly and set personal goals for weight loss – independent of involvement in the IRP.
The safety component has involved a ground-up re-tooling of accident investigation and prevention practices. The safety supervisor selects all safety equipment on the basis of minimizing or eliminating accidents and injuries. Staff members receive hands-on training in classes such as driver safety and forklift certification.
Employees are recognized for changing behaviors that could result in unsafe work practices and complying with reporting procedures. Documentation is critical to ensure a safe work environment; all Facilities Management staff are required to report hazards in writing to safety personnel so they can immediately develop solutions.
The fabrication of dumpster lid braces is an example of an innovative safety measure implemented through the IRP. This simple tool keeps dumpster lids open so custodians can empty trash with both hands (reducing problems with upper back pain). Another safety feature introduced through the program is shuttle van lift gates at the back end of service vehicles. The lift gates virtually eliminate the need for employees to move heavy equipment in and out of the vehicles. In another innovation, boom lifts have been acquired to eliminate the use of ladders that extend more than 20 feet, dramatically reducing fall risks. Ease of operation and broader coverage also improve work efficiency.
Other equipment changes include lightweight floor buffers and vacuum cleaners, lightweight mops and floor brooms, and safety gloves for groundskeepers and skilled trades to reduce finger and hand injuries. Staff are required to complete safety training classes each year to stay abreast of changes in their work areas. Each training session is one hour. Certificates are awarded upon completion and logged into a central database on campus.
In summary, the IRP not only reduces workers’ compensation costs, it sends a message that workplace health and safety is important and that employees are valued contributors. Staff now come to the program office to request safety gloves and other equipment. They often make suggestions about training programs and proposed safety measures. In general, the Facilities Management crew seems to appreciate working with IRP employees on a variety of safety and health issues.
In times of economic downturn, companies are looking for inexpensive ways to keep employees healthy and working. We have found that an Injury Reduction Program is a cost-effective means for reducing injuries and improving the working conditions in a diverse and demanding work setting.
About the authors
Eric Durak is the Wellness Supervisor and John Seaman is the Safety Supervisor for the Injury Reduction Program at UC Santa Barbara. Their award-winning program has saved money for the UC system and reduced injuries in the Facilities Management Department since 2005.
