work related injuries

One of the things that continues to amaze me is how many people, safety and ergonomic professionals included, believe that it is impossible to have a workplace that is free of hazards and therefore free of injuries.  I’ve heard many times from supervisors and even safety directors that it is impossible to remove all of the hazards from the workplace so they don’t even try.  They believe that achieving zero lost days or zero recordable injuries isn’t realistic.  Obviously situations, equipment and people change over time which makes it hard to identify and control hazards.  It requires commi

In my previous blog I cited an article in the Star Tribune that was about a auto parts company that has their workers performing Pilates as a way to prevent injuries and reduce workers’ compensation costs.  Two questions came to mind when I read that article.  The first question “Is an exercise class the best way to lower workers’ compensation costs?” and second, “What is the cost/benefit of having such a program?”  I answered the first question in my previous blog so now let’s look at the cost/benefit of an exercise program, in other words what is the return on investment (ROI).

Recently there was an article in the Star Tribune about a auto dismantling company who started weekly Pilates classes for their workers who are required to participate.  The owners of the company, Ace Auto Parts, stated they hope the exercises will “help strengthen backs and shoulders and improve balance in ways that will ultimately reduce their workers’ compensation bills.”  (http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/103902038.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU).  The story goes on to say that their