ON TARGET WITH DART
Safety Management Services is making the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers safer, healthier and more environmentally responsible places to work. Collaborating with units to implement innovative safety initiatives, SMS has seen great success in minimizing the frequency and severity of serious occupational injuries and illnesses resulting in lost work days.
Using a standard mathematical formula called "DART" (Days Away/Restricted or Transferred), UMHHC can calculate the number of recordable injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time employees that result in days away from work, restricted work activity and/or job transfer.
As an institution, UMHHC has a "lost workday" case rate goal of 3.0 work-related injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time employees.
"Our rate is steadily declining," says Bruce Cadwallender, safety director, UMHHC. "The overall rate has declined from 5.2 to 3.4 in the last five years. Departments are taking charge."
For example, earlier this year, Environmental Services joined forces with SMS to produce a customized ergonomics video presentation on preventing back injuries. "James Becker, Environmental Services Training coordinator, did a nice job leading this project," says Cadwallender. "Environmental Services has really taken safety to heart and their lower case numbers are proof." (Access the video online.)
In another combined effort, the Employee Health Service collaborated with SMS to implement an antislip-and-fall campaign. The brainchild of Susan Blitz, M.D., assistant professor of Internal Medicine, U-M Medical School, the campaign seeks to create greater awareness of slip-and-fall prevention during the winter months. (Read the Nov./Dec. issue of "Speaking of Safety.")
In addition to improving efficiency, studies show that a reduction in lost workdays increases employee satisfaction. "When we have a full staff, employees don't have to pick up the slack for those who are injured," says Cadwallender. "This also translates into improved patient care by eliminating the need for substitute employees who may not be fully proficient on the job."
AVOID THE TOP 3 WORKPLACE INJURIES
When Lifting & Carrying
- Use a mechanical aid whenever possible.
- Size up the load and get help when needed.
- Use good body mechanics.
Avoid Slips & Falls
- Keep floors dry and free of cords and clutter.
- Don't carry a load you can't see over.
- Walk carefully on snow, ice and wet surfaces. Carry your "nice" shoes
and wear slip-resistant shoes to and from destinations.
When Pushing or Pulling
- Push loads whenever possible.
- Start out slowly to overcome starting inertia.
- Keep wheels and casters free to roll and swivel.
- Get help with heavy or awkward equipment, especially while on slopes.
Visit Safety Central for more tips. |
