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August 2004

Table of contents:

1. Keys to Successful Return-To-Work Programs: Part 2
2. Hearing Loss Protection
3. Think Safe! - Electrical Safety at Home

CIS Onsite Home

Keys to Successful Return-To-Work Programs

RETURN-TO-WORK ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS

In last month's CIS Onsite newsletter we discussed the importance of implementing effective return-to-work programs. We encouraged organizations to adopt a "no such thing as no work available" philosophy and find modified-duty jobs that provide value to the company.

This month we are going to discuss another option for the injured worker that goes beyond a traditional modified-duty position. While the best option for return-to-work is always meaningful modified-duty at the place of employment, there is another alternative when such positions are just not available.

For several years, many employers have assigned restricted-duty employees to local non-profit agencies to work in a volunteer capacity. Injured employees continue to be paid wages from their employer who is donating their labor (often tax deductible) to the organization during recovery. The idea is to keep the injured worker active and maintain good work habits, rather than sitting at home or performing meaningless tasks for their employer. Using non-profit organizations in this capacity fulfills the need to keep employees working while also serving the community. It also sends the message to the workforce that there is no such thing as "no modified-duty available".

The placement of the injured worker in the non-profit organization would help to reduce the all-important "lost workdays". Minimizing lost workdays is the best way to reduce claims, insurance, and the overall costs associated with a lost-time injury. The advantages of this alternative program include:

• provides meaningful work for the injured employee to perform
• improves employee morale
• reduces lost workdays
• provides an incentive for a quick return-to-work
• enhances positive public relations and company image

In order to establish such a program, all key parties need to be involved in the planning process. Union leadership is critical in organizations that are unionized. Unions can play a key role in identifying local non-profits that may benefit from participating in the program. Placing injured workers in a volunteer position within their work restrictions at a non-profit is a reasonable method to assist employees through their recovery and facilitate a safe return-to-work. It is a far better than "make-work" options that may demean the worker. For these reasons, the union should be willing to participate.

When selecting the right non-profit partners, look to organizations that your company may already have a relationship with and that are at a reasonable driving distance for workers. The more non-profits that participate, the better, as this allows for greater diversity and choice in placement options. Once the partners are selected, meet with the non-profit agency leaders to clarify the goals of the program.

Since the injured employee is in a volunteer position at the non-profit, the employer continues to pay the employees in these positions their regular, or appropriately reduced, wage. The employer retains all liability and any potential for re-injury (which should be minimal if the placement position is within the physician restrictions). The non-profit is simply asked to ensure a safe, supervised work environment that remains within the worker's restrictions and to communicate the claimant's attendance with the employer.

Once such a program is established, it should be communicated with the entire workforce and with new employees as part of the orientation process. As with a typical modified-duty program, time limits for these assignments must be adhered to. The program should apply to non-occupational disabilities as well.

Using non-profit organizations to accommodate injured employees should be only one part of a comprehensive return-to-work program when meaningful jobs within the workplace are not a feasible option. However, the non-profit alternative can help companies of all sizes to move towards a zero lost-time culture.

Source: The Journal of Workers Compensation, Vol. 12, No. 4, Summer 2003

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Hearing Loss Prevention

Repeated exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of permanent hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss usually develops slowly and without pain or other symptoms, and you may not notice that you have a hearing loss until it is severe.

Steps you can take to lower your risk of noise-induced hearing loss include the following:

• Be aware of and avoid harmful noise. You can be exposed to harmful noise at work, at home, and in many other settings. Commonly used tools such as power lawn mowers and snowblowers can cause hearing loss, as can riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. Know what kinds of situations can generate harmful noise levels, and avoid these situations whenever possible. Any sound that is loud enough and lasts long enough can damage hearing and lead to hearing loss. The effects of noise on hearing vary somewhat from person to person; some people's ears are more sensitive to high-volume sounds, especially at certain frequencies. A sound's loudness (intensity) is measured in decibels (dB). Normal conversation is about 60 dB; a lawn mower is about 90 dB; a loud rock concert is about 120 dB. In general, sounds above 85 dB are considered potentially harmful, depending on how long and how often you are exposed to them and whether you wear hearing protection.
• Use hearing protection. If you know you are going to be exposed to harmful noise, wear hearing protectors, such as earplugs or earmuffs. (Cotton balls or tissues stuffed in the ears do not offer much protection.) When used correctly, hearing protection can significantly reduce the level of sound that reaches the ear. Lawn mowers, power tools, and some basic household appliances can damage your hearing if you do not wear hearing protectors.
• Minimize your total daily noise exposure. Noise exposure and the damage it can cause build up over time. The potential for damage to your hearing increases with the total amount of time you spend exposed to noise. If your job exposes you to high noise levels on a regular basis, try to avoid noisy situations in your leisure time.
• Control the volume when you can. Don't buy noisy toys, appliances, or tools when there are quieter alternatives. Reduce the noise in your life by turning down the volume on the stereo, television, or car radio.

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Think Safe! - Electrical Safety at Home

The following are some helpful tips for electrical safety at home:

• Don't overload sockets or extension cords.
  Overloaded outlets can overheat and cause fires.
• Repair or replace appliances immediately
  if they short out or spark. Hire a professional.
• Replace all frayed or cracked electrical cords.
  They can get hot and spark causing a fire.
• Never remove a plug by pulling or yanking on it.
  Always remove by holding the plug itself.
• Do not place cords under carpets;
  tape them to the wall where they won't be walked on.
• Have a professional check
  your own wiring projects.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home,
  check them once a month and change their batteries at least once a year.

The following are clear signals to have the wiring in your house checked by a professional:

• Outlets that don't work.
• Light, switches, wall outlets, or electrical cords that feel hot, or tingle when touched.
• Fuses or circuit breakers that trip often.
• Lights that flicker or dim.
• Unusual smells that can't be accounted for in the house.

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