1. Do regular safety audits of your
facility. Conduct worksite evaluations, using a qualified
company, to determine if slight modifications to an
employee’s workspace could help prevent injuries.
2. Create a safety committee. Have employees take responsibility
for their teammates’ safe working styles. Use incentives,
such as free lunches, to help maintain a safe workplace.
Keep the incentives small or team-based to avoid creating
a competitive environment.
3. Have current job descriptions for all your positions.
Be specific. Job descriptions will enable a medical
provider to determine at what capacity the employee
will be able to return to work - full or modified duty.
4. Start employees on a physical-therapy or work-hardening
program. This will help employees regain their range
of motion and strength faster, which will help them
return to full duty sooner. For every dollar that is
spent on rehab, $30 is saved on medical expenses.
5. Offer modified duty. If modified duty is difficult
for your company to accommodate, create a wellness center
for employees to return to work and learn about safety
and health. Companies that offer modified-duty or wellness
programs return their injured workers to full duty faster.
