HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - Credit unions that commit to safety and health in the workplace from top management and the establishment of a active return to work program can help prevent workplace injuries and reduce the duration and cost of disabilities, a panel of experts told a Discovery Conference audience.
Panelists included Jim Hunt, underwriting specialist in CUNA Mutual Group’s Credit Union Protection division, and Liberty Mutual’s Kurt Salter account consultant-national market loss prevention; Paul Bedrosian, service director, and Fred Filiaggi, Midwest loss prevention manager.
Among the tips shared:
* Liberty Mutual research indicated injuries caused by overexerting oneself through excess lifting or pushing was the most common cause of disabling workplace injuries in 2005. For CUs, that could include the lifting and moving 50-pound bags of coins, even when staff use two-wheel hand trucks, because bags tend to roll onto the floor. Dropped bags require employees to bend over and pick them up, which frequently results in back and shoulder problems. The simple solution: use low profile, four-wheel carts and educate employees on proper posture and lifting techniques.
* When injuries do occur, a supervisor’s response can play a key role in helping employees return to work, Filiaggi said.
* In contrast, negative supervisor attitudes and practices can impede return to work and rehabilitation for injured employees. Research indicates that in such cases employees often perceived that their supervisors blamed the employee for the injury and never contacted the employee after injury. A Liberty Mutual study found that supervisors trained to properly respond, communicate and problem-solve with employees reduced new disability claims by 47%.(c) 2008 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved.http://www.cujournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com
