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Ergo injury prevention programs reap big savings

BI WORKERS COMPENSATION CONFERENCE

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CORONADO, Calif.-Getting a good handle on preventing and managing workers' ergonomic risks requires employers to take a proactive-rather than reactive-approach to assessing workplace conditions that can lead to worker injuries and claims, workers compensation experts say.

A proactive approach to ergonomics typically includes steps to prevent worker injuries and to reduce the severity of such injuries should they occur.

Key steps include assessing workplace hazards, providing modifications such as appropriate office equipment or tools, training, encouraging early reporting and treatment of ailments, and continuous monitoring of workplace conditions.

Only about 15% of employers take such an approach, said Sharon A. Falkenburg, the Milwaukee-based managing director of national risk control for Aon Risk Consultants. Ms. Falkenburg participated in a panel discussion on the topic at the Ninth Annual Business Insurance Workers Compensation and Disability Management Conference, held Oct. 22-24 in Coronado, Calif.

Cost may be one factor that deters the remaining 85% of employers from changing their reactive approach. The annual costs of ergonomics programs vary significantly, Ms. Falkenburg said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that an average program could cost from $150 to $400 per worker. On an annual basis, one small employer may pay as little as $2,700, while a "full-blown" program for another employer may cost $12,000 to $65,000, she said.

But cost is not a deterring factor for the other panelists, whose organizations take proactive approaches. The panelists shared some of their favorite techniques for preventing and managing ergonomics losses.

Mary King, vp-workers compensation for the Fox Entertainment Group in Beverly Hills, Calif., recommended that workers comp, risk management and safety personnel report to a single, central administrator so that data and activities can be better coordinated.

Tonya Vyhlidal, wellness coordinator for Lincoln Plating in Lincoln, Neb., said that "a companywide stretch program," held prior to each shift, has saved the company hundreds of thousands of dollars in workers comp costs. Workers at the metal finishing company are constantly bending and twisting, as well as having to lift items that weigh up to 50 pounds, Ms. Vyhlidal said.

Jeffrey W. Pettegrew, vp-insurance and risk management for Westaff Inc. in Walnut Creek, Calif., emphasized the benefits of a broad-based ergonomics program that begins with safety training and includes health awareness days and periodic computerized exercise programs for keyboard users.

Employers also can improve conditions in remote locations, Mr. Pettegrew said, by videotaping operations and having an ergonomist review the tapes offsite and make suggestions to the employer.

John S. Ingram, vp of ESIS Risk Control Services, a unit of ACE USA in Philadelphia, moderated the panel discussion.