Sustainable Treatments Save City Money

City of Berkeley employees are experiencing shifts in their work environment thanks to innovative approaches towards safety and health. In 2001, 30-35% of city employees suffered from Repetitive Stress Injuries, and cost the government an estimates $7.6 million in workers compensation on 170 submitted claims. In an attempt to tackle the root of the problem, the city consulted with James Mason, the Berkeley’s occupational health and safety officer. Mason’s approach included “hands-on, face-to-face” consultations, showing employees the level of commitment they were invested in.

With the help of Mason, city employees from library staff to police officers were given ergonomic evaluations and training sessions that focused on preventing injuries, reducing the severity of injuries, and developing positive work habits.

In addition, the city granted employees a range of benefits that promote good health and safety. These varied from $600 ergonomic chairs to partially covering membership costs at Berkeley YMCA. The mayor also banned soda machines inside City Hall. However, the most appealing incentive for many employees was the one time pay increase of 1% for those who reduce workers compensation costs. Although a monetary- based reward system, this type of incentive gets employees focused on safety and health.

Just five years later in 2006, RSI injuries are down 8-10%, and workers compensation was reduced by $6 million to $1.7 M on 117 claims. This city-wide health and safety initiative represents a progressive approach to addressing work related injuries. By investing in equipment and training to elicit changes in behaviors, City of Berkeley employees prevent injuries and reduce the risk of missing work or relying on more invasive forms of treatments, like medications for pain, or surgery for long-lasting injury.

This preventative approach represents a sustainable treatment solution that is aligned with the principles of Green Health Care. Every city in America should follow such a forward thinking, sustainable solution to health and safety.

This article was orginally published in InsideBayArea.com www.insidebayarea.com