Safety Programs – For a Healthy Balance Sheet

The quality of an organization’s safety programs forecasts an employees’ likelihood of entering the workers’ compensation system. The time and resources invested in enforcing safe work practices reflect the employer’s commitment, not only to guarding an employee from workplace hazards, but to protecting them from the hazards of our workers’ compensation system.

Carefully-crafted programs embed the standards for a safe workplace into daily operations. Successful programs begin with employee selection, protection of employees through training and hazard controls, engage employees in the process, and support the employee in their return to work, should they become injured. A safety program with this scope, protects an injured employee from a sometimes arbitrary and disabling workers’ compensation system.

Strong safety programs are the foundation upon which supportive and enriching tools can be provided to the injured employee. This is also the bedrock upon which substantial cost savings and productivity gains are built. Successful companies have already discovered the value of a strong safety program. In fact, it is rare that an organization enjoys high margins and strong revenue, in absence of a strong safety program.

Building a strong safety program begins with management commitment. If an organization lacks in-depth knowledge of workplace safety, or needs an objective assessment of their current program, a comprehensive review is in order. Proof Positive will develop a blueprint for safety program success.

Remember: Safety program quality is a proxy for balance sheet health.

How You Can Help Relieve the Stress of an Injury

Even if you have the best safety program, there is always the potential of someone getting hurt at work. Taking care of the injury should be handled quickly and thoroughly, and treatment must be provided by the employer. But how about treating the injured workers worries and concerns?

Health and Wellness Rooms can help provide knowledge which can help reduce the stress of an injury. Proof:Positive not only provides a place for the injured worker to recover, while remaining on your normal payroll, but also a place to learn about their injury. Having an understanding of your injury can help relieve worries of the unknown. Proof:Positive staffs each room with people who have medical experience so they can help teach the injured employee about their injury. The room is a quiet classroom like environment where the injured workers can have peace of mind by continuing to work as they heal. Also they have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their injuries and concerns.

Each room coordinator works closely with the doctors to ensure that the injured worker is working within their restrictions. The coordinators also help encourage them to do the home therapy given to them by their therapist. The Health and Wellness Room has ice, heat, recumbent exercise bikes and therapy beds for stretching. These help motivate the injured worker to complete their therapy rather than sitting at home.

Talking to the injured worker, listening to their concerns, and finding answers to their questions can help relieve some stress of being injured. Let us help them down the path of recovery through care and compassion, while educating them about their injury and teaching them how to prevent the injury from reoccurring.

Keep Your Back Injury Free and Stay on the Job

Many occupations require routine lifting.  But, lifting the wrong way can lead to serious back injuries (and time off from work). However, there are some important tips to remember and use when you are lifting, regardless of the object’s size or weight. Keep your back pain-free by following these simple steps:

  • Plan your lift prior to lifting
  • You should stretch prior to any lifting to warm up your muscles
  • Use dollies or other lift assist devices to help you when available
  • Only lift or carry what you can safely handle
  • Always lift with your legs and not your back
  • Never lift with a twisting motion
  • Always carry the load close to your body
  • Lower the load slowly and bend the knees
  • Use a co-worker if available to share the load

Our backs are a vital part of our body and health.  You should always remember to take care of your back on and off the job.   Do not take unnecessary risks when it comes to lifting.  As an employer make sure each employee is properly trained and protected from injury. It is good practice to have a safety program in place and proper training to avoid costly workers compensation claims.